In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica has suffered devastating damage. Homes have been torn apart, small farms destroyed, and many families are left struggling to rebuild. While national relief efforts are underway, Trelawny often falls to the margins of support—overshadowed by more well-known parishes like Montego Bay, Negril, and St. Elizabeth. Yet for the people who call Trelawny home, this loss is deeply personal and immediate.

We are reaching out to raise financial donations that will go directly toward local hurricane restoration efforts in Trelawny. Every dollar will be used with transparency and intention, focusing on three critical areas of recovery:

1. Building Restoration: Repairing and rebuilding homes, community buildings, and essential infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

2. Livestock and Small Farm Rebuilding: Supporting those who rely on chicken coops, goat farms, and small agricultural operations to earn a living. These are not just businesses—they are lifelines for families.

3. Local Employment: Paying Jamaicans fair wages for their labour in rebuilding their own communities.

Paying Jamaicans for their work is not only fair—it’s essential. In times of disaster, too many relief efforts rely on unpaid or underpaid labour, leaving those already affected in deeper hardship. By ensuring local workers are compensated, we empower the community to recover with dignity, independence, and pride, while also stimulating the local economy when it’s needed most.

For the past five years, I have been deeply involved in building and restoration work in Trelawny as we have been restoring our own home there. While we were fortunate to escape with minimal damage, many of our friends, family, and neighbours were not as lucky. I have developed strong relationships with both Canadian contractors willing to travel and volunteer their skills and local Jamaican tradespeople and labourers who are eager to get to work rebuilding. As well as a home ready to host those looking to come and contribute to the restoration efforts.

Our connections and firsthand experience position us uniquely to ensure that every contribution is used effectively—bringing together skilled labour, local materials, and community partnerships to help Trelawny rise again.

We are asking for your support—whether through a financial contribution, spreading the word, or connecting us with others who can help. Every bit counts.

To donate or learn more about how your support will be used, please contact me at [teléfono editado].

I look forward to working with you on this initiative

David Hachey

On behalf of the people of Trelawny, Jamaica