Two government senators who have combined $6 million of personal resources to purchase and donate relief supplies, including care packages, for Jamaicans most in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, are urging fellow altruistic-minded people to ensure that there is continuity in the relief efforts.

Senators Abka Fitz-Henley and Christian Tavares-Finson have been on the road across some of the worst-hit areas since Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s south-western coast on October 28.

The weather system reduced several communities in the west, south, and north of the island to a litany of debris and has left thousands of people without shelter and desperate for assistance.

Both senators have responded to Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ call for every individual or group to do what they can to help sustain fellow citizens in need by pumping personal resources into purchasing relief items and dispatching vehicles to transport them to the worst-affected parishes, including St Elizabeth, St James, and Westmoreland.

“Seeing the videos and photographs of the damage is one thing, but to witness it on the ground is heartbreaking. However, we cannot afford to sit by and do nothing or be besieged into inaction. Therefore, Chris and I decided to put together some of our resources into helping. It really is a drop in the bucket when you evaluate the scale of the need, but the signal we hope to send is that Jamaicans from all walks of life who are able to help our brothers and sisters in their time of desperate need must help. We must do it,” Fitz-Henley shared with the Jamaica Observer while in the hills of Springvale community in St Elizabeth South Western on Saturday.

His colleague, Tavares-Finson, said the desperate cries of children and adults alike for a meal and water has left a mark on his consciousness.

“The truth is many people are currently without shelter in the worst-hit areas. Businesses have been destroyed, personal assets have been devastated, and in many farming communities agricultural produce and livestock have been rendered useless. So there is no doubt that at some point our country will have to transition into assisting our citizens with restoring their sense of independence and self-reliance. But even as we strive to do this we have to recognise that there are people existing without the essentials needed to sustain daily lives, and that’s why care packages are important,” Tavares-Finson reiterated.

But for both senators, the real test of the nation’s resolve to help will be for how long the relief efforts will be sustained.

“In addition to what the Government is doing via formal channels, I welcome the outpouring of support for people in need from various sections of society, including private sector, non-government organisations, the sports community, the entertainment fraternity, and Jamaicans in general. But I can’t help but think that Christmas is around the corner and it would be good if relief efforts are sustained for several months and beyond,” Fitz-Henley said.

Fitz-Henley, who also serves as state minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, said it will be important that those who have decided to give to the relief cause recognise that in addition to the immediate needs which have arisen in the aftermath of the hurricane, the scale of the damage and impact of the system on thousands of lives is of such a scale that the effort will have to be sustained.

For his part, Tavares Finson highlighted the need for every individual or group who is able to assist victims of Hurricane Melissa to act while also maintaining the dignity of those they choose to assist.

“Sometimes there might be a concern among people that what they have in mind might be too little and, therefore, inconsequential. I’d say to folks burdened by that consideration, go ahead and give and do it in a way that does not embarrass anyone. It might appear small to you, but it could mean the world to a person in need. Preserving the dignity of our Jamaican brothers and sisters is important. You might not give now, but do it in a few days’ time, a few weeks and few months.This is an opportunity for us to let the true Jamaican spirit of kindness prevail,” Tavares-Finson urged.

Senator Christian Tavares-Finson hands a care package to a resident in St Elizabeth.