Watching from their homes in the United States, Dr B Roy Davidson and Dr Laxley Stephenson were stunned by the horrific destruction inflicted by Hurricane Melissa on their home parish, Westmoreland, and rural Jamaica. It was a call to action.

Davidson, chief executive officer (CEO)  of the Los Angeles-based UNI Health Care Inc, and Stephenson, president of Global Humanity Network Inc in Atlanta, led a delegation to Westmoreland and other affected areas from November 9-14. They distributed two weeks’ worth of relief supplies to 500 families, provided by UNI Health Care Inc and the Caribbean Cricket Club of Los Angeles.

They were accompanied by fellow Jamaican Dr Beverly Nichols, president of Push Start Foundation, which is based in New York.

“As Jamaicans and as human beings, we were heartbroken. Seeing first-hand the destruction left behind by Hurricane Melissa was devastating. Homes were damaged, families were displaced and entire communities were struggling to access the most basic necessities,” Stephenson told Observer Online. “It was a sobering reminder of how vulnerable our people are during natural disasters and it strengthened our resolve to take meaningful, compassionate action.”

In addition to food and other essential products, 25 solar generators were donated by the Push Start Foundation. The devices were strategically placed throughout communities to provide access to electricity which offered power for lighting, communication and charging devices.

The team visited Little London, Whitehouse and Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, Montego Bay in St James, and Lacovia and Black River in St Elizabeth.

The dire situation in Westmoreland hit close to home for Davidson and Stephenson who are from Little London.

“Many of our relatives, friends and community members were directly affected. This made the mission not just a humanitarian response, but a deeply personal commitment to our hometown and our people,” said Stephenson.

Driven by 185 miles per hour winds, the Category Five Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28. While Kingston was spared major damage, its gusts destroyed infrastructure, homes, hospitals, farms and businesses in rural areas.

Many people are still without electricity while the official death toll, according to the Jamaican government, is 45.

— Howard Campbell

Volunteers in Westmoreland sorting relief items donated by the Los Angeles-based UNI Healthcare Inc and Caribbean Cricket Club of Los Angeles. Approximately 500 families in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, affected by Hurricane Melissa, benefitted.