JN, UK Diaspora Hand Over Seven Containers of Melissa Supplies to Food for the Poor

As recovery efforts continue following Hurricane Melissa, The Jamaica National Group, through its philanthropic arm, the JN Foundation, recently handed more than seven 40-foot containers of hurricane relief supplies to Food for the Poor for distribution to vulnerable groups and institutions across Jamaica, particularly in hardest hit communities.

The donations, which include food items, household supplies, gloves and other essential goods, were contributed and packaged by JN members, JLB Shipping, Cleone Foods, the Legacy Centre of Excellence, Save a Million Lives and Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans living in the United Kingdom. The initiative was coordinated through the JN Bank’s Representative Office in the UK as the Category 5 storm made landfall in Jamaica, providing a structured and trusted channel for members of the Jamaica Diaspora to support the country’s recovery efforts.

Paulette Simpson, Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy for the JN Group in the UK, who coordinated the UK relief efforts, said the response demonstrates the deep emotional connection Jamaicans abroad maintain with their homeland.

“There’s a lot of love out there for Jamaica, and when disasters happen, people abroad often feel helpless. This initiative gave them a place to come, to interact and to help relieve some of the pain and suffering in Jamaica,” she said. “We’ve been in the UK for almost 40 years, so facilitating our members’ ability to help their communities was a natural part of our mission.”

Chief Operating Officer of Food for the Poor, Mark Khouri, welcomed the partnership and pointed out that his organisation will be working closely with government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Defence Force, to ensure equitable distribution of the supplies.

“Our aim is to make sure the goods reach the most vulnerable and are delivered in an efficient and coordinated way,” he said.

The donations are equally symbols of hope and tangible, pragmatic supplies, said Chairman of the JN Foundation, Parris Lyew-Ayee.

“We recognise that recovery from Hurricane Melissa is not a one-day event, but a long-standing effort. Based on Food for the Poor’s track record and deep knowledge of the communities on the ground, we knew they were the right partner to ensure this support reaches those who truly need it.”

He added that timely action is critical following disasters.

“In times of disaster, hope needs to move faster than despair, and what we are witnessing here is hope in action,” the chairman said. “Through Food for the Poor, this hope is being delivered to families and communities in affected areas.”

He also expressed gratitude to colleagues, well-wishers in the UK, teams and volunteers on the ground for making the initiative possible, noting that the donation is expected to contribute meaningfully to the long-term recovery of communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. He also informed that the JN Foundation volunteers will be assisting Food for the Poor in packaging items for distribution.

Shipping partner, JLB International Shipping Limited, coordinated the shipment of the relief supplies.  Chief executive officer, Beverley Johnson, chronicled that their involvement emerged from a request from the UK Jamaica High Commission to assist with the shipment of the items being packaged by JN, its members and well-wishers. The request quickly grew into a large-scale humanitarian operation, with JLB serving as the primary collection and shipping hub for donations from across the United Kingdom, including as far as Scotland.

Ms Johnson said the collaboration has also laid the groundwork for continued support, with JLB and the JN Foundation set to work more closely with Food for the Poor on future donations, including much needed medical supplies for Jamaica.

Beyond the packaged supplies Jamaicans in the UK have also contributed thousands of pounds sterling to the ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa, also managed by the JN Group. To date, more than J$13 million have been donated to support the needs of early childhood institutions, homes for the most vulnerable and at-risk groups, and first responders and community groups.

“The Jamaican diaspora has once again demonstrated the strength of its connection to home, offering unwavering support to Jamaica in its time of need, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” Miss Simpson said.