TRELAWNY, Jamaica—United States-based businesswoman Cynthia Baker, affectionately called “Blossom”, is spearheading a major humanitarian effort to support storm victims in her native Bounty Hall, Trelawny, following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa.

Baker, who returned to Jamaica shortly after the passage of the storm, said the level of displacement and hardship she witnessed moved her to immediate action. She revealed that she had purchased building materials to extend her home in the Stonebrook housing development but quickly shifted plans after seeing the suffering within her home district.

“Being from Jamaica, and I came back here and see what was happening… I was extending my house in Stonebrook, bought my materials to extend the house, but when I saw the devastation and saw people with nowhere to live, I decided to use most of the materials that were already on the ground to assist persons,” she shared.

In addition to contributing her personal materials, Baker purchased over 100 sheets of zinc and plywood to support rebuilding efforts, particularly for families whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Many displaced residents were being housed at the Bounty Hall Primary School, which had been converted into a temporary shelter.

Cynthia Baker (right) makes a point to Dotlyn Palmer at the site where her new house is being constructed.

Recognising that families in the shelter were sleeping on makeshift bedding — including desks and cardboard — she reached out to the management of City Furniture in the United States, where she resides. The company, she said, immediately agreed to support the cause.

“When I told them (City Furniture) what I was doing, the manager and all of them donated the 50 mattresses. I paid to ship them and brought them to Jamaica,” she explained.

She praised the Jamaica Customs Agency for expediting clearance of the shipment, describing the process as efficient and supportive.

“The Jamaica Customs Agency… they were very influential in helping me get the stuff cleared in very quick timing. So we were able to give the mattresses to them, and I just want to say thanks,” she disclosed.

Alongside building materials and bedding, Baker and her children continue to provide care packages. Unlike large group handouts, she chooses a more personal approach.

“I give care packages, and what I do differently is go door-to-door and give them to the people who are truly in need. I am not collecting any donations to do anything that I am doing,” she stated firmly.

One of the most significant acts of assistance provided so far is the rebuilding of a house for an elderly couple who lost everything during the storm. The effort, she said, has been a combined mission between her family and supportive community members.

“So my kids and I are presently donating from the beginning to the end of a house for a couple who lost their home. The community assisted us. This young man that did the building — Thaddeus — I must emphasise, he took a day off and canceled his job just to help me ensure this couple can live somewhere decent,” she said.

Dotlyn Palmer, affectionately called “Miss Girlie” expressed deep appreciation and overwhelming relief for the structure that will provide a safe place to call home for herself and her partner.

“Me feel good. If a even a big money she did a give me, me wouldn’t feel so good like how me get the house,” Palmer shared emotionally.

Recalling the terrifying experience during Hurricane Melissa, she said she and her partner initially intended to remain in the house.

“When the storm start, me sit down here, me and me partner. Me say by the grace of God nothing naw go do we… until him nephew come now and call us to come. If not, we maybe would a dead in yah,” she recounted.

She said her partner and herself spent the following days sleeping on cardboard laid on cold concrete.

With her voice filled with gratitude, Palmer had one final message:

“This lady (Baker) — she can’t suffer… by the grace of God,” a grateful Palmer said.