Sending Love and Support to Jamaica

Love to our children and the future of our families. I want to share my deepest thoughts and prayers for my fellow family and friends, and for all the people of Jamaica during this heartbreaking time. Hurricane Melissa has hit the island with devastating force, leaving many without homes, damaging schools, and displacing families.

My name is Annisha Larmond Richards, and I’ve been visiting this beautiful island since I was six years old. My roots run deep — my family is from Manchester, with connections to Munro, Malvern, and Downs. Though I’m not usually one to speak out on platforms like this, I feel called to do so now. We must come together in unity and support the country that has given so much to the world — through its culture, music, food, and the vibrant spirit of its people.

Jamaica has always held a special place in my heart. I was blessed to spend time with my grandparents there and create beautiful memories throughout the 1990s and 2000s — memories I carry with me to this day.

I’m planning to organize a fundraiser event soon hopefullyin Battersea, as well as send supplies in barrels to families in St. Elizabeth — both those I know and those I don’t. I also hope to donate to Munro College in St. Elizabeth, where my late grandmother once taught and where many of my loved ones studied. I’ve seen the damage to the school’s roof and other facilities, and I want to help however I can.

St. Elizabeth is known for its farming, and I would love to provide seeds to help local farmers restart their crops. Agriculture is vital to Jamaica’s economy and food supply, and supporting this effort is one way we can help the island rebuild.

Towns like Black River and Santa Cruz in St. Elizabeth have been hit especially hard by the hurricane. The impact has been devastating, and seeing the damage is truly heartbreaking. I would love for all of us to come together and offer support during this difficult time.

Let’s come together for Jamaica — with love, action, and unity.