KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tech Beach Retreat (TBR), the premier technology and innovation platform founded in Jamaica, has announced the cancellation of its flagship event, originally scheduled for December 3–5, 2025, following the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Citing the catastrophic loss across Jamaica, Kirk-Anthony Hamilton, chief executive officer and director of Tech Beach Retreat, said, “Jamaica is enduring one of the most challenging moments in its history…The suffering, displacement and loss experienced across the island have made it clear that our focus must shift entirely to supporting national recovery efforts. As difficult as this decision is, it is the right one for Jamaica.”

TBR has begun issuing refunds for its prepaid packages, with several participants opting to convert their packages into direct support for relief efforts.

“We are deeply grateful to those who have chosen to stand with Jamaica during this time,” Hamilton said in a news release.

In the meantime, TBR’s Jamaica-based team and its advisors have shifted their efforts toward immediate relief and long-term rebuilding. Their work on the ground includes packing and distributing thousands of care packages across affected communities, coordinating the arrival and distribution of supplies from international partners, and contributing to early rebuilding efforts in areas hit hardest by the storm.

TBR is also advancing several technology-enabled recovery initiatives, including the deployment of Starlink units and generators to restore connectivity and power in cut-off communities through a collaboration with HPS (Morocco).

It said it is working alongside Mobeus and teams from Google to develop digital crisis-management and control-centre capabilities designed to strengthen Jamaica’s national coordination framework during the recovery period. In addition, the organisation is preparing two donated humanitarian cargo flights from Miami that will deliver essential supplies to communities in need.

“The mission of TBR has always been to bring people, resources and global networks together,” Hamilton said. “Those same ingredients are exactly what Jamaica needs now.”

The organisation is also accepting contributions with no administrative fees, and tax-exempt donations can be made through the American Friends of Jamaica and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), both registered 501(c)(3) entities. Individuals or organisations interested in contributing can contact kirk@techbeach.net.

“Jamaica is resilient — we bend, but we do not break,” Hamilton said. “Our country will recover, and our platform will continue to serve its purpose. Jamaica will return stronger, bolder and more impactful than ever.”