When Hurricane Melissa tore through western Jamaica on October 28, it left a trail of destruction that crippled communities and disrupted lives. Among the hardest hit was Belmont Academy in Bluefields, Westmoreland, where 80 per cent of the campus sustained damage.
For Principal Rayon Simpson, one of the challenges he faced was how to resume classes for senior students preparing for critical external exams amid such devastation. That challenge would, however, be short-lived as his institution was one of four to receive assistance through the efforts Olympian, Claston Bernard and the JN Foundation which mobilised to deliver almost 3,900 cases of meals ready to eat (MREs), 2,700 cases of bottled water, and other essential supplies to schools and charitable organisations across the country. The meals and water were donated by the people of the State of Louisiana in the United States of America.
“The donation, especially the water, was like nourishment to our lives,” Mr Simpson said, reflecting on the relief provided by the Olympian and the JN Foundation. “It gave us the necessities we needed. Our Grades 11-13 students and teachers had to be in school, and it’s one thing to ask them to return when some have lost everything because of the hurricane, but to do so without water would have been impossible.”
He added that the donations are assisting to soften the psychological impact that Hurricane Melissa has had on the school community.
“The water provided meant we could have school and assist students and teachers who are in need. This is more than just a drop in the bucket, it will go a long way in making our lives more comfortable,” he revealed.
The impact of the relief extended beyond classrooms. In Manchester, the Candle in the Dark Homeless Shelter also received MREs, which proved invaluable for the vulnerable populations it serves. Dr Wendy Freckleton, the shelter’s director, described the donation as timely and transformative.
“Many of our homeless persons were happy for the MREs because we have a programme where we provide meals on weekdays,” Dr Freckleton explained. “They were thrilled knowing they had meals for the weekend, just heat and eat. We also encouraged them to share with others in similar situations. Beyond that, we used the meals to support elderly shut-ins across Manchester. The donation really helped us in a time of need.”
Dr Freckleton revealed that the offices of the charitable organisation was flooded which affected its operations and forced many of its dependents to seek out alternative options for food.
“We lost a lot of files because the water came in from the road. Also, many of the people we cared for were inconvenienced and had to seek assistance from other sources because we were unable to operate. We are therefore thankful to the JN Foundation, with whom we have a longstanding relationship for assisting us. Last year, they donated solar equipment to us and this helped us to maintain our operations and so could further assist the needy in Mandeville during the passage of Hurricane Melissa,” she said.
For the JN Foundation, the initiative was part of a broader mission to strengthen Jamaica’s resilience in times of crisis. General Manager, Claudine Allen underscored the importance of collaboration in disaster recovery.
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the JN Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to Jamaica by embarking on several initiatives to support communities in greatest need,” Ms Allen said. “Through our partnership with Olympian Claston Bernard, we mobilised resources to deliver water, food, and other essential supplies to schools and charitable organisations severely impacted by the storm. Recovery begins with solidarity and swift, meaningful action. Together, we aim not only to provide relief but to restore hope and resilience.”
Ms Allen informed that to date, the foundation has provided support in myriad ways, all of which were designed to help Jamaica rebound stronger and more resilient.
“Shortly after the hurricane’s passage, we mobilised volunteers and partnered with St John Ambulance Jamaica to conduct weekly medical missions in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Trelawny, providing psychosocial support to residents in some of the most affected areas and conducting cleaning and repairs to schools in the regions that were affected. We believe that these initiatives will assist residents in the long-term and help them to rebuild their lives,” she added.
For Mr Bernard, a Jamaican living in Louisiana, USA, the decision to help was instinctive. The former Olympic and Commonwealth decathlete said his heart was with his homeland as news of the hurricane’s approach unfolded.
“When I saw that Hurricane Melissa was going to hit Jamaica, I knew many Jamaicans would be impacted and cut off with little or no food,” the Munro Old Boy shared. “In some cases, people wouldn’t even have the opportunity to purchase food because community shops were affected. I knew I had to act.”
Mr Bernard leveraged his connections in Louisiana to secure assistance, including a call to the state’s governor. “He didn’t hesitate,” Mr Bernard said. “Giving back to my country, especially in St Elizabeth where I’m from, is the Godly thing to do. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to assist as best as I could.”
