Good afternoon, everyone, it is my heart’s desire to help support the people in the community of Cambridge St James, Jamaica, my community, who are affected by this recent hurricane.

Hereby it gives me joy unspeakable starting this GoFundMe account which I believe will be a success to aid the victims of Hurricane Melissa In my community (Cambridge)

This fundraiser is designed to help rebuild the lives of those who were affected.

My name is Claudine Reinford-Moncrieffe, and I am a member of the Jamaican diaspora, currently living in Homestead, Miami, Florida. The community of Cambridge, in the Parish of St. James, Jamaica, is where I was born and raised, and where my extended family and many lifelong friends still reside. My family name is Reinford, the family consisted of eleven siblings, nine females and two males, four of which is deceased also both parents. I attended the Cambridge kindergarten and Middle school and then went on to the Mount Alvernia High School in 1979 and graduated in 1984. I have since migrated to the United States where I now reside. I have the God-given gift of compassion, and my philosophy in life is, “What purpose do I stand for, if not for serving others?” I watched in horror as Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, made landfall and unleashed its fury on the island, leaving an insurmountable path of destruction that can only be understood by those who experienced it. My heart is heavy and sad, not only for my family but for everyone who has been affected. People are devastated, some are angry, and some just break down and cry like I do. This situation calls for immediate attention as the needs are immediate and overwhelming.

Hurricane Melissa brought catastrophic flooding and widespread damage, destroying homes, crops, taken lives, and affecting people's activities of daily living. People are without shelter, clean drinking water, food, and necessities. The photos and videos my family has sent me shows a scene of total destruction. The immediate needs are overwhelming, and the government aid takes time, and the government itself needs time to figure out how and where to start because every life was touched by this disaster. These families need help now to survive the aftermath because it is going to be a long road to recovery.

100% of all funds raised will be sent directly to my sister, Simone Reinford-Samuels, a trusted member of the community who is dependable and useful and who always supports families during times of bereavement, making funeral arrangements.

Aid 1: $3,000 (Emergency supplies)

providing immediate relief such as clean bottled water, non-perishable food, temporary shelter materials, hygiene and first aid kits, and over-the-counter medications.

Aid 2: $4,000 (will go to home repairs, assisting families with essential rebuilding costs, including materials for new roofs and structural repairs to make homes safe again).

Aid 3: $3,000 (will be used for medical assistance) covering urgent medical needs and supplies for those injured and/or at risk of waterborne illnesses following the flood, and preventative measures).

We will provide regular updates with photos and specific details on how the money is being spent to ensure full transparency.

Please help us restore hope for the people of Cambridge, St. James.

This is a challenging and heartbreaking time for my community. Your donation, no matter how small, will make a direct and immediate impact on the lives of people who have lost everything. Please share this fundraiser with your network. Your kindness and generosity can provide hope and help us rebuild our beloved community.

From the bottom of my heart to the depth of my soul, and on behalf of the entire community, thank you for your support.