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We are raising funds to help rebuild the Bogue and adjoining communities within Montego Bay following Hurricane Melissa.
My husband and I are shipping barrels filled with essential supplies — shelter materials, food, tools, and more — directly to those who’ve lost everything. Every donation, no matter how small, will go straight towards helping communities rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and find hope again.
Read more .........
Hello Everyone
As many of you are aware, Hurricane Melissa (Category 5) has devastated the island of Jamaica, leaving behind a trail of destruction that words can barely describe. It is now recorded as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever to make landfall with winds reaching up to 185 mph.
Thousands of people have lost everything, their homes, businesses, livestock, crops, and personal belongings. Many are left with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. This has been personally heartbreaking, just seeing the scale of destruction.
The hurricane has now passed, but the real struggle begins now.
International aid is reaching the island; however, so many areas remain inaccessible due to fallen trees, debris, and blocked roads. The parish of St. Elizabeth, known as the breadbasket of Jamaica for its vast agriculture of fruits and vegetables, took a direct hit, decimating crops and livestock.
Recovery will take years, not months.
In the meantime, the situation is worsening: food is scarce with rising prices, banks are limiting cash withdrawals, petrol stations have queues stretching up to three hours, electricity and communications are still severely affected, and thousands of people literally have no roof over their heads.
This is where the diaspora plays such an important role. Those of us living outside of Jamaica are coming together to support our families and neighbours back home. We cannot solely rely on government help, it will take all of us working together to rebuild.
Many of us are starting with our own communities, assisting where we can.
Jamaica is my home, just as much as the UK. I have family and friends across the island, some of whom I am yet to make contact. I am deeply saddened by this entire situation. Montego Bay was among the worst-hit areas along with neighbouring parishes on the north and south coasts.
Winter is approaching, and while it is not as cold as the UK, the nights do get chilly, and the rain continues to fall.
In response to this situation, my husband and I are currently packing barrels, as many that will fit in our living room! filled with essential supplies to ship directly to Jamaica. Items include tarpaulins, tents, toiletries, hand tools, bed linens, clothing, batteries, solar lights, cleaning supplies, and food.
This is not easy or cheap, but it is achievable with the support of our friends, colleagues, and families.
Our goal is simple: help families rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and bring hope to our beloved community.
We are part of the Bogue Hill Residents Group in Montego Bay. They have been keeping us informed throughout the entire disaster recording messages, sharing video clips when possible, highlighting vulnerable people, and documenting their losses. Their support has brought much-needed comfort, especially to those living alone.
Together, we will oversee the distribution of goods to ensure items reach those most in need. Transparency is very important to us, we understand how crucial it is that you feel confident your contributions are truly making a difference.
We will endeavour to provide updates, photos, and videos whenever possible.
Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a tangible difference. Even a few pounds can help the community rebuild what they have lost.
Please do not feel obligated to contribute — your thoughts, prayers, and simply sharing this page is enough.
Here are a few clips showing the reality of what’s happening on the ground:
Aerial View of Jamaica
Montego bay local residents
Montego Bay Hospital
St Elizabeth Parish (this is where the eye of the hurricane entered)
Thank you from the bottom of our heart for your kindness and support.
Together we will rebuild and come back stronger.
Fiona & David Newman
Organizer
