Patrick Vernon

JHC Virtual Town Hall Meeting – Hurricane Melissa Relief: Progress Donations and Diaspora Engagement

The Jamaican High Commission hosted a virtual town hall this week, giving a clear picture of where the country stands after Hurricane Melissa and how the diaspora is helping drive relief efforts.

High Commissioner Beverley Johnson opened with the hard truth: 45 confirmed deaths, severe damage across St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland and St. James, and thousands still trying to recover. But she also highlighted steady progress: most major roads reopened, power and water gradually returning, and only two communities still inaccessible except by air.

One of the strongest themes of the night was gratitude. Support from abroad has been overwhelming: donations, care packages, medical supplies, fundraising events and volunteer hours have poured in from across the UK and Europe. Over JMD $400 million has already been raised through the official platform.

A major part of the meeting focused on responsible donating. Shipping partners stressed that used clothing, expired goods and prescription medicines are creating delays and must not be sent. Only new, safe, long-shelf-life items can be accepted. Relief shipments fall into three categories: government, charities, or direct-to-family and each has different rules and costs. Customs duties and GCT are waived until 31 December 2025, but port and handling fees still apply.

The Croydon BME Forum shared an inspiring update: hundreds of volunteers, thousands of donated hours, and significant funds raised in just two weeks. Communities across the UK are organizing drives, fundraisers and Amazon wish lists to supply Jamaica with tools, food and essentials for rebuilding.

The Q&A section touched on accountability, mental health support, and how aid is being distributed to remote and vulnerable areas. The High Commission confirmed that oversight committees are being set up, psychosocial support programs are coming, and ODPEM continues to reach deeper into the hardest-hit communities.

Jamaica is hurting, but it’s moving forward and the diaspora is one of the strongest forces behind that momentum. For anyone who wants to help, the safest and most effective starting point remains the official website: HERE