ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Ultimate Care Centre in Westgreen, Montego Bay is now looking at a better recovery process following a donation of mattresses to the facility.

On Thursday, a joint effort from DunnCox Attorneys-at-Law and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce saw the institution receiving a number of mattresses to replace those lost in flood waters following the passage of hurricane Melissa.

Managing director of the centre, Sandy Frazer-Jackson, expressed deep gratitude as the facility received this major donation which she says is critical to their recovery.

“We are grateful for the help and the contribution towards the Ultimate Care Centre. We have been trying to put ourselves back on the map to see what we can do,” she said.

“With this help and contribution, we are doing much better than we thought we would,” she added.

During the storm, flood waters from the Montego, Barnett and Pye Rivers swamped the area causing severe damage to the bottom floor where a number of residents were staying at the time.

“This helps us greatly because all the mattresses that we were actually destroyed so the replacement is greatly appreciated. Without that we would have had to figure something else out but with this help, we are grateful,” she declared.

Frazer-Jackson explained that the flooding left the lower level of the facility in bad shape but they are slowly making progress towards getting it ready again.

“Downstairs we don’t have anyone right now because we are still cleaning up and to prepare and hopefully by the end of the month we can have everybody back downstairs,” she said.

She thanked staff members who were at work whom she said played that crucial role in getting the individuals above ground when the flood waters came.

“There were four people who were here that night and they took everybody to the upper level for the rescue,” she revealed.

“Without them I don’t know what would have happened. The devastation would have probably been greater without them assisting the residents to the upper level,” she said.

The donors said the initiative forms part of a collaborative effort in exercising their corporate social responsibility

“Today’s donation is just a simple gesture,” Partner with the firm, Jonathan Morgan said.

“DunnCox Attorneys and the Montego Bay Chamber are providing mattresses to the nursing home and to residents in the Catherine Hall and West Green communities who’ve been hit hard. It’s not everything they need, but it is a core ingredient that will help to restore a fraction of comfort at a time when so many are struggling.”

Morgan expressed humility about the role DunnCox is playing, noting that the firm simply wanted to respond where it saw clear need.

“When we heard what the nursing home endured—the flooding, the loss of bedding, and the damage to their building, it was impossible not to step in,” he said.

“What we’re offering today is a modest start to their rebuilding process, and our hope is that it serves to plant a seed that can help their recovery grow.”

He stressed that the effort is not limited to the care facility.

“Mattresses will go to the home, and additional bedding will be distributed to residents in West Green and Catherine Hall over the next two days” Morgan said. “There are people who lost almost everything. If we can help even a few neighbourhoods regain some dignity and comfort, then this initiative will have served its purpose.”

Morgan also underscored that DunnCox intends to continue supporting the affected communities on a larger scale.

The items donated to the Ultimate Care Centre courtesy of DunnCox and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce

“This is just a small part of our wider relief-effort,” he said. “Our team will be on the ground delivering care packages in the coming weeks, and we are coordinating with the Janet Richards Foundation to supply construction materials and labour to households trying to rebuild. Our intention is to stand with these communities for the long haul, as we rebuild Jamaica – better than before.”

It was a happy occasion for the president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Jason Russell, who highlighted the chamber’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable.

“This is a big initiative from the chamber, we are bringing a number of beds to the Ultimate Care Centre in Westgreen,” he said.