MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Office of the Custos Rotulorum for Manchester has launched a compassionate relief initiative to support residents affected by Hurricane Melissa, delivering hot meals and comfort to families in the communities of Alligator Pond and Waterloo.

On Sunday, Custos Garfield Green led a team of volunteers to Alligator Pond, where freshly prepared meals were served on-site.

The effort was made possible through the generous support of Junior Lowe of Flamin Wok, who provided a mobile kitchen, and several Justices of the Peace, who joined the mission to offer their time, resources and service to the community.

“This act of kindness is a demonstration of civic duty and compassion,” the Office of the Custos said in a statement.

“Residents were served freshly cooked meals that reinforced the values of dignity and care in times of adversity.”

The outreach continued in Waterloo, where meals were distributed to residents at the emergency shelter located at Waterloo Primary School and to nearby households. The Office of the Custos has also announced plans to return with care packages for families in need. The initiative was marked by a strong sense of unity and volunteerism as community members and Justices of the Peace worked side by side to assist those most affected.

Custos Green described the warm welcome from residents as “humbling”, noting that it served as a reminder that “service is not just an act, but a calling”. Guided by empathy, resilience and a commitment to community, the Office of the Custos of Manchester pledged to continue supporting recovery efforts across the parish as residents rebuild their lives after the storm.