A Volunteer’s Commitment to Jamaica’s Recovery

Pilar Ellington, a resident of St Andrew, has already participated in three relief efforts across western Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Driven by a deep sense of compassion and duty to those in need, she has committed to return as often as she can to provide further assistance to affected persons to rebuild their lives.

A dedicated volunteer and employee of the JN Group, Ms Ellington, was among the first to respond to the call for staff members to support the activities of the JN Foundation which partnered with the Jamaica Automobile Association and St John Ambulance Jamaica, to bring much-needed supplies and services to more than 1,000 residents in Trelawny and St Elizabeth.

“Our role included conducting medical and social surveys to assess the needs of residents, particularly their medical conditions, so that the medical team could provide immediate assistance where necessary. We also helped to distribute some 300 care packages,” she said, adding that the team provided telecommunication access through Starlink services, along with a generator that allowed residents to charge their devices.

Ms Ellington, a member relations officer at the JN Group, pointed out that she was deeply moved by the extent of the damage observed in the various communities.

“Pictures and videos really don’t capture the full reality of what we saw. Houses made of board and concrete alike, were completely destroyed, roads became riverbeds. It was heartbreaking to witness,” she related, adding that power lines were down, water and electricity were unavailable, and cell phone service was extremely poor.

“The situation is challenging. It felt like stepping back in time,” she said.

A moment that will always be etched in her memory was the assistance St John Ambulance Jamaica provided to a diabetic woman who had become critically ill.

“She was taken to the temporary field hospital in Black River due to the severity of her situation. It was gratifying to be able to be a part of an initiative which helps in this way. I could only imagine what might have happened if we hadn’t been there as volunteers to check in on the residents,” she reflected.

Ms Ellington also related that during the team’s outreach efforts in Lacovia, St Elizabeth, residents led them to the home of an elderly man whose house had collapsed during the hurricane while he was inside and how neighbors rushed to rescue him.

“When they got inside, they found him soaked and trembling in a small closet. One of the neighbors took him in, and they’ve been trying to reach his family,” she shared.

The residents, she noted, welcomed the relief support. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude for the aid which brought comfort in their time of great loss.

“They were very grateful for the help and care packages. Many elderly and vulnerable residents had lost their medication and were living with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Some were even bedridden. They were extremely appreciative of the medical support and the assistance provided by the St John Ambulance Service,” she said.

“What stood out most to me was the community’s strength and positive spirit. Everyone remained hopeful and worked together to help one another,” she pointed out.

Speaking to the alignment of her work and innate nature of volunteerism, Ms Ellington, noted that her personal efforts is reflective of the mandate of the JN Circle, the activities for which she coordinates.

“JN Circle members are advocates for change and building stronger communities, and I truly believe in that mission,” she emphasised.

There are 16 local chapters of the JN Circle in Jamaica.  Overseas chapters are based in Toronto, Canada and London, England.

Over the years, Ms Ellington has made it her duty to give back in any way she can. 

“I live by the principle, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ One day, any of us could be the one in need of a good Samaritan. So, help because it’s the right thing to do, and because it feels good to make a difference,” she explained.

Ms Ellington stressed that restoring Jamaica requires collaboration at every level and the willingness of every citizen to play their part in the national recovery process.

“Helping others, whether in a big or small way, is a privilege. It’s deeply rewarding to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Don’t think that what you have to offer isn’t enough because nothing is too small. Your voice, your time, your strength, and your prayers all matter just as much as physical donations.”

“We have a long road to recovery and rebuilding stronger and better will take everyone’s effort,” she maintained.