Patrick Vernon

Supporting Jamaica’s Creative Community After Hurricane Melissa

In the days since Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, one question has echoed across communities, WhatsApp groups and social feeds: “How can we help?”

Hurricane Melissa has become one of the most traumatic events in Jamaica’s recent history. Lives have been lost, loved ones remain missing, and entire neighbourhoods — particularly across the western parishes — have suffered devastating damage. Homes, businesses and community infrastructure have been destroyed, and the natural landscape has been reshaped in ways that will take years to recover.

Amid this widespread loss, the desire to support those most affected has been immediate and heartfelt.
To meet urgent needs, Kingston Creative Coworking Space at 107 Harbour Street, Downtown Kingston has opened its doors as a dedicated donation drop-off point.

Drop-off hours:
📅 Monday to Friday
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The organisation is working closely with trusted partners to ensure that all donated items are delivered directly to the communities hit hardest by the hurricane. Every contribution large or small plays a critical role in the recovery effort.Recognising that many creatives have lost access to electricity, water or internet because of the storm, Kingston Creative is also offering its coworking facilities free of charge.

This provides a stable, supportive environment where creatives can continue their work, connect with others and regain a sense of normality during an incredibly difficult period.

As the weeks unfold, the emotional and psychological toll of the disaster is expected to become more visible. Healing will be essential.

Kingston Creative will be offering online wellness sessions, beginning with Dr. Wendel Abel, Head of Community Health and Psychiatry at The University of the West Indies (UWI). These sessions are designed to support creatives as they navigate grief, trauma and uncertainty, while helping them build resilience for the long recovery ahead. Updates will be shared through Kingston Creative’s social media channels.

Long-Term Support: Protecting Jamaica’s Cultural Heartbeat

For creatives, disasters create a unique ripple effect. Events are cancelled, tourism slows, audiences diminish and income disappears overnight. These consequences extend far beyond the immediate crisis and threaten the cultural heartbeat of Jamaica. To strengthen long-term recovery, Kingston Creative is partnering once again with The American Friends of Jamaica. Together, they previously distributed US$470,000 in COVID-19 relief to 1,535 creatives across 27 Caribbean countries.

They are now launching a new fundraising effort to provide monthly subsistence grants to artists and creatives from the western parishes. The goal is to offer stability, dignity and breathing room to those unable to work — and to safeguard the cultural heritage that defines Jamaica as a people.

Standing With Jamaica’s Creatives

Jamaican creatives contribute immeasurably to the nation, bringing beauty, rhythm, joy, identity and global cultural influence. In this moment of crisis, they need support in return, and Kingston Creative’s efforts aim to ensure they are not left behind as the country rebuilds.

Please donate here