My name is Matthew Ross, A Jamaican, A beekeeper, A Sailor, A Human.

I want to use my network of people I've connected with over the years on the sea for maximum effect.

The island is in need, we are a mighty people, but we are desperate to clean up and rebuild.

As most of you now know, Hurricane Melissa gave us a nasty direct blow.

Luckily myself and family were off the island during the passage of Melissa, and I won't be home for a few more weeks. It's making us feel very helpless but we are doing everything we can to help those that were affected.

The sooner we act the better.

All proceeds will be used to buy essential supplies for the victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

As an immediate start, my brother is currently in Florida trying to get 3 barrels filled with essentials to be shipped to Jamaica ASAP.

The items we are trying to purchase are:

Tarpaulins

Sanitary items

Food

Water

Small solar battery chargers

Solar lamps

Baby supplies

We will distribute these supplies through local charities on the ground such as Kicks for Kids and BREDS. And to the communities I have a close connection with such as Treasure Beach and others in St. Elizabeth.

We will also be giving people seriously affected with small cash donations to help them cover new expenses due to the hurricane.

I have friends on the ground currently doing everything they can to help clear roads and provide essentials.

I have personally already purchased 2 chainsaws for them.

And I have donated jmd$250,000 of my own money to charities like 'Kicks for Kids" and the Jakes foundation BREDS in Treasure Beach. I have also donated two Yamaha generators with high pressure water pumps attached to help pump water out of homes etc. this is not to brag, but to demonstrate that I am giving to those whom I absolutely trust in these times. I'm trying to avoid the scams and avoiding govt bureaucracy.

Vast numbers of persons in the directly affected areas have lost EVERYTHING. It's going to take a massive global effort to get these folks back to somewhat normalcy again.

Set aside the homes and belongings, the trees are shredded, that means no food. The farms are destroyed, no food. It's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

No flowers means no honey, no fruit.

Friends are asking about my bees and how they fared. I love my bees to death but right now I'm focused on helping the people in need. Devon whom I employ to take care of my bees lost his roof, but is currently out there in the bush clearing roads and checking on the bees, LEGEND. Hopefully I will have updates soon.

I'm hoping you can trust me with your very generous contributions so we can help in any way possible.

I will keep track of every dollar, and keep you all updated on how the money and supplies are distributed.

Bless