Historic Diaspora-Led Relief Flight Delivers Life-Saving Support to Jamaica

In a landmark moment for diaspora-led humanitarian action, the first major UK-based, diaspora-led relief flight to Jamaica has successfully arrived, delivering 2.9 tonnes of essential humanitarian supplies to vulnerable communities across St Elizabeth and surrounding parishes. This historic initiative was co-organised by Jackson Smith, CEO of Fantasy Wings; Nathaniel Peat, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) UK South Representative; and Angela Clarke BEM, UK Director of RAFFA International Development. Through strong leadership, faith, and determination, the organisers mobilised powerful multi-sector partnerships, demonstrating what is possible when the diaspora works in unity with government and institutional partners.

The mission delivered life-saving support to communities in Malvern, Balaclava, Siloah, and Maggotty, with additional care packages reaching Union, Mount Pleasant, Castleton, and Appleton Heights. This ensured a wide and meaningful impact across St Elizabeth, reaching individuals and families facing significant need. Local community leaders highlighted the importance of the initiative and its direct impact on residents. Carleter Turner, locally known as “Peaches,” from the Balaclava Division in North East St Elizabeth, expressed deep appreciation for the diaspora’s contribution, describing the support as a lifeline that helped turn hope into reality for people in the community.

As part of the initiative, structured engagement was established between UK-based Jamaican diaspora partners, Jamaican government ministries, and international stakeholders. This included high-level meetings and continuous coordination to ensure alignment between diaspora-led humanitarian efforts and national response priorities. The initiative also benefited from strengthened institutional links with the British High Commission in Jamaica. Engagement led by Mr. Peat included discussions with Her Excellency Alicia Herbert, OBE, British High Commissioner to Jamaica, focusing on trade, diaspora engagement, and strengthening collaboration between the Jamaican diaspora community in the United Kingdom and partners in Jamaica. These discussions included briefings on the logistical support provided by IAG Cargo, DHL, British Airways, and the British Airways World Community Fund, whose commitment enabled the safe and efficient transportation of critical humanitarian supplies at no cost.

Upon arrival in Jamaica, the shipment was formally received by Hon. Alando Terrelonge, MP, and Mr. Marlon Brown, ODPEM Regional Coordinator, reflecting strong collaboration between diaspora leaders, elected officials, and national emergency management agencies. Distribution efforts were further strengthened through the dedicated support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Santa Cruz Police Station, led by Superintendent Brown, alongside Cpl. K. Austin, Constable C. Beckford, Constable R. Johnson, Constable C. Berlin, and Constable J. Evans. Their presence and assistance ensured the safe, orderly, and effective delivery of aid to communities most in need, reflecting a powerful partnership between civil society, diaspora leadership, and national security services.

Following the successful flight, the initiative was further acknowledged at a high-level post-mission meeting with Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, who was a critical friend to the project when challenges arose. The Minister congratulated and thanked the organising partners and commended the service and leadership of the diaspora, as well as the wider diaspora community, for its vital contribution to national relief efforts.

Delivering a mission of this scale and complexity required sustained coordination, resilience, and determination. The process involved extensive planning, detailed logistical negotiations, and continuous communication through multiple emails, phone calls, and WhatsApp exchanges between partners and government agencies across countries and time zones. Several operational, regulatory, and logistical hurdles were encountered along the way. Despite these challenges, the shared objective remained clear: ensuring that vital humanitarian supplies reached Jamaica. As a result, the mission provided critical support to individuals and families on the ground while strengthening local response efforts at a time of significant need.

This initiative stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when purpose-driven leadership, institutional cooperation, and diaspora commitment come together in service of national development and humanitarian relief. It reflects a model of collaboration rooted in resilience, integrity, and collective responsibility, demonstrating that when communities unite across borders, meaningful and lasting impact is possible. Special thanks were also extended to Enterprise Rent-A-Car Jamaica for sponsoring the SUV used for the relief effort.

Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Elections: Manifesto Hustings

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council elections are approaching, and community members have expressed a desire for more opportunities to engage with candidates. In response, a Manifesto Hustings is being organised to provide candidates with a platform to present their vision, priorities, and plans, and to engage directly with the diaspora community. The hustings is expected to take place during the week commencing 16 February, with a provisional date of 17 February. Further details will be shared shortly. A group of candidates from the South, along with one candidate from the North, will participate, with full candidate information to be published to ensure transparency and informed participation. This initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to openness, engagement, and strengthening diaspora representation.
More information and voting details are available at: https://connectmeja.com/vote

Jamaica Day of Prayer: 21 February

The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council elections are approaching, and to support transparency and informed participation, a Manifesto Hustings will be held during the week commencing 16 February (provisionally 17 February), giving candidates the opportunity to share their vision, priorities, and plans while engaging directly with the community. In addition, the Jamaica Day of Prayer will take place online on 21 February at 7:15pm, bringing together ministers, pastors, and spiritual leaders from across the UK and beyond to unite in prayer for healing, restoration, protection, and renewed hope for Jamaica, as the diaspora stands together in faith for the nation’s transformation.

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