In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact in sections of Jamaica, FYI Consultancy Group has launched a dedicated Trelawny Hurricane Relief Effort, partnering with friends and corporate supporters to get supplies and essential services to some of the hardest-hit communities.

Among the key partners supporting this mission are JN Foundation, Purity Bakery, PureWater, Digicel Foundation, Hyundai Jamaica, St John’s Ambulance and Funland Jamaica, alongside countless individuals from the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States and England.

On Wednesday, just over a week after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the FYI Relief Team, which included Reggae Boyz legend Ian “Pepe” Goodison, established its main base at William Knibb Memorial High School in Martha Brae, serving as a central distribution and medical aid point for the relief efforts for North Trelawny.

More than 400 care packages were distributed on location, containing food items, toiletries, and essential supplies, alongside portable power chargers from Roklan Power, Wi-Fi connectivity, and medical assistance to ensure residents could reach loved ones and receive urgent support.

Communities including Zion, Granville, and Falmouth were the main beneficiaries of the centre as many displaced residents took refuge at the school after losing their homes. The Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force were on-site to assist in maintaining order and ensure a safe and coordinated operation.

During set up, the team’s medical volunteers were called into immediate action treating several individuals who required emergency assistance. With the team set up on location, a secondary team headed by FYI Managing Director Paula Pinnock travelled to Reserve, Sherwood Content, and Perth Town, where they continued to distribute care packages, provide mobile Internet access courtesy of Hyundai, and render medical aid.

After closing the relief centre at 3:30 pm, the team proceeded to Salt Marsh, New Town, and the remote community of Johnson Hill, to reach residents isolated by the storm. The devastation witnssed was severe with livestock losses, collapsed homes, and the scent of decay filling the air, yet the people of Johnson Hill met the team with gratitude.

The day concluded with a medical supply delivery to Falmouth Hospital. The team also provided donations to the Trelawny Infirmary and delivered clothing to flood-affected residents in Catherine Hall, St James.

“It’s easy to complain but harder to make the decision to help,” said Pinnock. “I’m proud that our team, friends, and partners came together to turn compassion into action. We chose to focus on Trelawny because we believe real change happens when you commit deeply, not just dropping off supplies, which is important, but building relationships, understanding the real needs of the people, and working alongside them to rebuild lives, one Jamaican at a time.”

The FYI and Friends Trelawny Hurricane Relief Team says it will continue its efforts in South Trelawny, expanding the outreach to additional rural communities while assessing long-term recovery and rebuilding needs in partnership with local and corporate stakeholders.