Help Fund Local Aid Work in Montego Bay and Westmoreland After Hurricane Melissa

Hi, I’m Jessica (from London). As many of you know, currently being in Montego Bay, I was personally affected by the category 5 hurricane Melissa on the 28th of October 2025. I appreciate all of your messages and, now that I have more energy, I am asking that you help me to bring immediate, grassroots aid and relief to the local communities in Montego Bay and Westmoreland.

Although most of the country is still without power or water, the capital, Kingston is operational. While we wait for relief to be sent from abroad and government intervention, many are without food, water, electricity and adequate accommodation, including some friends of mine who live in more remote parts of Sav-La-Mar and St James. We must bring urgent supplies of water, non-perishable food and tarpaulin (for homes without roofs) to those in need of immediate interim assistance.

Overview

Over 2 million Jamaicans have been affected by this natural catastrophe (nearly 70% of the population). Half the country has been devastated and at least 50,000 people are now without homes. The death toll continues to rise, and many more remain missing. Hurricane Melissa was a catastrophe that tore across our beloved island at speeds of over 185mph, impacting lives in hours and leaving a wake of devastation that will take years to repair.

Insight

Recovery is painfully slow. Over 80% of the Jamaican population were without power directly afterwards and most of Montego Bay still remains without electricity or water. Money is limited in St James because few ATMs are in operation and, without power, cards can’t be used in transactions. Water for drinking and cleaning is liquid gold. For many, food is limited because many supermarkets are not yet open, without electricity food cannot be stored and fruit trees were destroyed by the hurricane.

I have witnessed little government response and we have not received any concrete action plan. A few days after the storm, I only saw policemen on bicycles and a week after, a garbage truck help to clear debris alongside the local workers. I also met overseas aid workers who were bringing patties and hot food: while this is appreciated, as I experienced first-hand, perishable meals are a short-term solution to a long-term problem when you have no means of preserving food.

I am scared sickness and the death toll will continue to increase because without immediate help, many are at risk of disease, hunger and malnutrition.

Action

It is imperative we take grassroots interim action to bring urgent emergency supplies directly to affected communities.

I will be buying the following in Kingston to distribute to communities in Montego Bay and Wedstmoreland:

Jamaica already carries a problematic history of trauma and dispossession: it breaks my heart to see our people not only experience a gruesome natural catastrophe but continue to suffer more in the aftermath.

Please bring all of the love you have for Jamaica’s rich culture and natural beauty to helping us rebuild. Please donate what you can and share this campaign widely. Any and every contribution helps to secure a roof, deliver clean water and feed those in crisis.

I’ll keep you updated on how your contributions are being used with photos and updates.

Thank-you.