J Wray & Nephew Limited (JWN) has launched an immediate relief operation to support communities neighbouring its operations in Clarendon, St Elizabeth, and Kingston, in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Beryl on July 3.

The company has deployed mobile generators within five communities to provide light and aid in charging essential devices, to ensure communication continuity. It has also made available potable water to residents affected by infrastructural damage or water supply shortages.

Additionally, JWN Foundation, in partnership with Lasco Chin Foundation, is distributing food packages containing essential non-perishable items to families in Kingston, Clarendon, and St Elizabeth.

“Hurricane Beryl has had a devastating effect on the parishes of Clarendon and St Elizabeth, home to two of our production sites — Appleton Estate and New Yarmouth distilleries. Over the last few days we have been diligently working to assess the situation and coordinate our efforts. We are now working closely with local authorities and have mobilised resources — including water, food, and generators — to provide essential support such as charging cellular phones and other critical devices within the affected areas,” a company release quotes Tanikie McClarthy Allen, senior director, public affairs and sustainability.

The relief efforts are focusing on areas near JWN’s facilities, including Seaview Gardens, Waterhouse and Henley Road in Kingston; Gimme-Me-Bit, Milk River and Racecourse in Clarendon; and Siloah, Aberdeen, and Appleton in St Elizabeth.

The company said that its employees, through JWN Foundation, “have volunteered to assist in the packaging and distribution efforts, demonstrating JWN’s commitment to community service”.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to assess how we can best continue supporting the recovery efforts,” Allen said, adding that relief efforts are nothing strange to J Wray & Nephew.

“In 2021, in the fight against COVID-19, we were quick to respond, and through our collective efforts with all JWN affiliates we donated over $516 million to the COVID-19 response call,” she said.

Allen said that while the road to recovery from Hurricane Beryl may be challenging, J Wray & Nephew stands ready to support its neighbours every step of the way.

“Should persons wish to help with our response, please visit www.JWNfoundation.org and donate to our foundation to aid our relief efforts,” Allen said.

The company said it plans to continue its support in the coming weeks as the full extent of the hurricane’s impact becomes clear.