KINGSTON, Jamaica — Several families in Westmoreland, ravaged by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in October, were grateful for a major relief effort spearheaded by Pentecostal Gospel Showers Family of Churches (PGSFoC) last weekend.

The group, headquartered in Riverton Meadows, Kingston, led a 50-member team on Saturday to York District, a remote community where residents say aid has been slow to arrive due to severely damaged and inaccessible roads. More than 500 relief packages were distributed, with additional supplies reaching neighbouring districts.

Determined to prioritise communities overlooked in the wider relief response, the group travelled more than eight hours to reach York District. After their vehicle could no longer proceed along the narrow dirt tracks carved out by the hurricane, the volunteers walked the remaining stretch on foot. Residents, surprised and grateful for the effort, used their personal cars and motorcycles to help transport packages to a central distribution point.

With limited lighting and nightfall approaching, volunteers worked quickly to deliver food items, drinking water, clothes, bedding, hygiene kits, and other necessities. A kiddie’s tent was also set up, offering toys, snacks, clothing, and emotional support for children, supervised by trained educators and counsellors.

Bishops Drs Philbert and Maureen Bailey, who were part of the mission, said the church felt compelled to step outside its walls during a time of national distress.

“This is not a time for the churches to be invisible or silent,” Bishop Philbert Bailey said in a press release. “This is when we roll up our sleeves and preach the gospel with our actions and not just with our mouths.”

Founding Bishop Dr Bailey noted that while the organisation’s seven inner-city congregations are familiar with hardship, the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa is unmatched. She urged members to extend their support to communities facing even greater need.

The initiative was carried out in partnership with United States (US) based churches and several local organisations, including the St Andrew Southern Police Department (Hunts Bay Police Station), the Praying Cousins International, Beyond the Veil USA, Breaking Ground Ministry USA, Helping Hands Ministry, Sarah Mother of Nations, and Predestined for Women’s Empowerment and Wellness. The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) provided transportation for the team, while the Jamaica Constabulary Force escorted the group and assisted with moving supplies.

Departing at 7:30 am on Saturday and returning around 2:00 am Sunday, the team described the mission as challenging but deeply rewarding. Residents repeatedly appealed for a follow-up visit, emphasising the continued need for support as recovery efforts continue.