KINGSTON, Jamaica — Classique Group, along with its subsidiaries SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales/Rentals and Ecosense Project Management, has pledged $20 million toward relief efforts for rural Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Nicholas Innis, chairman of the Classique Group, said he was moved by the graphic images of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction that he and his business partners sprang into action.

“We just had to do something, when I saw the scale of the destruction, entire communities under water, families stranded and left homeless, streets turned into river beds, I knew I had to play my part for my fellow Jamaicans,” Innis, who is a well-known promoter of the Sybratic Weekend Party series, said.

Staff members gave out care packages in Great River, St, James

The companies recently donated in excess of 1000 care packages, including food, water and connectivity devices, across Hanover in an effort to support individuals and families having challenges during this difficult period.

In addition, Classique Car rentals has assigned over 15 SUVs to Doctors Without Borders and other groups assisting in relief missions across the island.

“This will be a continuous humanitarian effort,” he said. “This initiative marks only the beginning of the many efforts we will be rolling out in the coming weeks and months as we work to rebuild and strengthen the affected communities.”

Originally born and raised in Hanover, the scope and scale of the destruction were particularly heart-rending to Innis.

Staff members giving out care packages in Flamstead, Hanover

“This effort is very close to me. I was born and raised in Hanover, where families give selflessly, even when they have very little. It is heartbreaking to see how much has been lost because of this hurricane. We could not sit back and do nothing while our brothers, sisters and children are hurting,” he said.

Innis said that his faith played an instrumental role in framing his humanitarian response.

“God loves a cheerful giver, and we intend to be just that. We encourage everyone to come on board and support the cause. We need all hands on deck,” Innis said.