Dear Editor,

Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica’s south-western coast has left a trail of destruction. This monstrous and catastrophic Category 5 storm, which made landfall on October 28, 2025, has tested the nation’s resilience, but has also brought out the best in us as a people.

As images and reports of Melissa’s destruction continue to surface on various media platforms, Jamaicans who were spared the worst are grappling with deep emotions, from survival guilt to overwhelming concern for those adversely affected. However, amidst the atmosphere of despair, it has been both inspiring and heart-warming to witness the immense coming together of our people — our local communities — over the past month to attend to the immediate needs of those affected. We have witnessed the exodus of Jamaicans to crisis-affected areas, quickly mobilising to deliver humanitarian aid and recovery services. Our people show admirable kindness during disasters, reinforcing our country’s reputation as the most helpful nation, according to the World Happiness Gallup Report 2025.

In unprecedented times, one of the central functions of community becomes undeniable, which is support. We have seen an outpouring of love through humanitarian aid from individuals and groups, which include social media influencers, musical artistes, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, government entities, church groups, and countless others, each relentless in its effort to provide multi-dimensional assistance.

These forms of assistance include, but are not limited to, providing care packages and meals, cash donations, conducting clean-up exercises, offering temporary shelters, setting up temporary medical facilities, providing means of communication, and offering psychosocial support. All these activities serve as important stepping stones in the post-disaster response and recovery process.

The assistance extends beyond our local community, with our regional and international communities demonstrating remarkable solidarity by providing support and aid in a plethora of ways. It is clear from the extent of the devastation that Jamaica cannot recover from this disaster alone. Therefore, the efforts, dedication, and selflessness of these communities in this critical time of need should be applauded.

Community involvement — whether local, regional, or international — remains essential to our disaster response and recovery efforts. Without it, there will be:

• Inadequate needs assessment and prioritisation

• Inefficient allocation and coordination of resources

• Limited resources to cater to the affected populace

• Limited advocacy and representation for vulnerable groups (persons with disability, children, the elderly, etc)

• Inadequate psychosocial support

• Delayed recovery time frame

As we look ahead, disaster impacts are expected to worsen due to climate change. It is, therefore, prudent that we acknowledge the power of community in disaster response and recovery, ensuring that our efforts are coordinated, inclusive, and effective. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa and in agreement with the overarching mandate of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our aim is to “leave no one behind”.

Tameka Claudius

Administrator and researcher

The University of the West Indies, Mona campus

tameka.claudius@uwimona.edu.jm