As we reflect on the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, our hearts go out to every resident affected by the storm. While BMP Momentum has long been dedicated as a 501(c)(3) organization to supporting education in rural Jamaica, especially West Portland, we now recognize the urgent need to expand our efforts across the entire island in light of this disaster. Jamaica’s strong spirit of community, rooted in mutual support and resilience, is vital during this time. By rallying together and partnering in recovery efforts, we help this beautiful country rebuild and thrive.

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The storm struck near New Hope in Westmoreland Parish with sustained winds estimated at 185 mph (295 kph), making it the strongest hurricane ever recorded to hit Jamaica. Officials report widespread devastation, especially in southwestern parishes such as St. Elizabeth, where flooding and landslides severely affected more than 170 communities across six parishes, according to Jamaica’s Ministry of Local Government. Loss of power reached approximately 70% of the entire Jamaican population and entire towns were described as “underwater” in early assessments. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) declared the whole island a disaster area and mobilized emergency shelters and evacuation orders. Though official counts are still being finalized, the death toll has reached at least 26, with many more injured and unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.

As our founder, Richard Scott, often reminds us, community is not simply where you live, it is where you give back. Jamaica’s strength comes from its people: families who lift each other, neighbors who share what they have, and friends who step in when needed. In times like this, that spirit calls each of us to act. Your generosity today can help restore classrooms, rebuild homes, and provide essential care and stability to families who need it most. Supporting these efforts now means a stronger, more resilient future for the people of Jamaica.

At BMP Momentum, we are introducing the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund, ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly toward life-sustaining support for families across Jamaica. Your contributions will provide food, medical supplies, toiletries, childcare essentials, and materials for rebuilding homes, schools, and community spaces.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BMP Momentum has long worked alongside communities in rural Jamaica through education and empowerment programs. Because of these established partnerships and trusted local connections, we are uniquely positioned to distribute aid efficiently and transparently to the areas that need it most. This initiative expands beyond West Portland to reach the hardest-hit parishes across the island, where access to basic necessities and medical care remains severely limited.

While rebuilding will take time, your immediate support helps accelerate recovery and brings comfort to families who have lost so much.

When donating to any relief effort, it is essential to use verified, official channels to ensure that your help truly reaches those in need. Unfortunately, fraudulent fundraising campaigns often appear in the aftermath of disasters. At BMP Momentum, we are committed to providing a secure and transparent way to give. If you ever feel uncertain about another organization’s legitimacy, we encourage you to reach out to us directly for guidance or visit The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) for updates on government-approved relief efforts.

Together, we have the power to turn compassion into action. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings food to a family, comfort to a child, and hope to an entire community. Jamaica’s strength has always been its people, and with your help, we can ensure that spirit not only endures but shines even brighter in the face of adversity.