Dear friends, family, and kind strangers,

This is not something I would typically do, but anyone who knows me, knows that Jamaica is a part of who I am. Over the last decade, Zach and I have fallen so deeply in love with the island—its people, its culture, its rhythm, and the big smiles and open hearts of everyone we’ve met. We became “Jamericans” at heart because Jamaica truly feels like home.

Now, the island we love so dearly is hurting. Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a record breaking Category 5 hurricane. The devastation is heartbreaking. Homes are demolished, roads washed away, power lines down…entire livelihoods lost overnight.

What makes this tragedy even more painful is knowing how hard Jamaicans already work to build a simple home. It can take YEARS, buying a few bricks at a time whenever they can afford it. Financing isn’t an option because interest rates are sky high, and homeowners’ insurance isn’t really a thing. Now, so many homes are gone or barely standing, families left with tarp roofs and temporary walls.

TOURISM IS JAMAICA’S LIFELINE! It’s how families put food on the table, how kids go to school, and how communities thrive. The economy would crumble without tourism. So please, keep your scheduled trips. And if you’ve never been, GO! The people of Jamaica need you, and they WANT you there. When you visit, you’re not just enjoying paradise, you’re helping the island rebuild by supporting local jobs, small businesses, and entire communities that depend on your presence. You’re helping keep Jamaica’s heartbeat alive.

We’ve seen firsthand the kindness and strength of the Jamaican people, their pure souls, their laughter that fills every space, their generosity even when they have little to give. Now they need us.

As Jamaicans say: “One han’ cyaa clap”-one hand alone can’t make a difference, but together, we can rebuild. Remember, “Every mickle mek a muckle”-every little bit adds up. And most importantly, “After storm come calm.” -Hope will rise again.

Every dollar helps. Every share matters. Let’s give back to the people who have given the world so much love, music, and joy.

(All funds will go to the Issa Trust Foundation unless Couples Resorts starts a private fund for their employees, our friends.)

With love and gratitude,

Katie and Zach

Forever Jamericans