Campari Group, through its local subsidiary J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Limited, says it is donating US$1.56 million (approximately $250 million) to Jamaica’s hurricane recovery relief efforts.

The company explained in a news release that the donation represents its commitment to help communities affected by Hurricane Melissa rebuild and recover and demonstrates its deep local connection and long-standing history of responding to major disasters in Jamaica.

“People have lost their lives, homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure has been damaged. Now it is time to respond and ensure that those most affected have what they need to start rebuilding their lives, while also making sure communities are better prepared for future storms. We will be here for the long road ahead, supporting life-saving assistance while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery,” the release quotes J Wray & Nephew Limited Managing Director Daniel Caron.

Describing the devastation as beyond catastrophic, Caron said the donation is part of the company’s ongoing dedication to the Jamaican community.

“JWN’s immediate priority has been the safety and well-being of its employees and the communities it serves, mobilising resources to support recovery efforts just two days after the passage of the hurricane,” said the company which has primary operations in Kingston; St Elizabeth, where it owns Appleton Estate; and Clarendon, where the New Yarmouth Distillery is located.

Some of the 1,500 care packages that were distributed in the communities most impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

JWN Foundation volunteers putting together 1,500 care packages as part of their immediate response to communities across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.