KINGSTON, Jamaica—M&M Jamaica Limited has announced that it will forgo its customary Christmas festivities and gift-giving exercise this year to focus on supporting communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

According to the company, this decision reflects its deep commitment to the people of Jamaica and its belief in being part of the solution for a stronger, more buoyant nation. The company said its employees have expressed their full support for this decision and the redirection of Christmas funds toward recovery efforts.

In an internal message, it said staff representatives noted that no celebration could be more meaningful than standing with fellow Jamaicans in their time of greatest need and committed to volunteering their time and skills to help ensure the relief programme reaches those most affected.

The company’s chairman Donald Mullings, who hails from St Elizabeth, shared that this initiative holds special significance as his home parish was among the hardest hit by the hurricane.

“As a company and as Jamaicans, we stand shoulder to shoulder with those whose lives have been disrupted,” said Mullings. “Now is the time to give back in meaningful, tangible ways. We believe that helping our communities recover is the most fitting way to celebrate the season.”

Mullings also opined that “this is an extraordinary disaster that demands extraordinary action. Instability in western Jamaica will ultimately create instability across the entire island if left unaddressed.”

M&M Jamaica Limited’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Programme will include a range of targeted support measures designed to meet immediate needs and assist with rebuilding efforts:

Emergency Supplies:

Distribution of care packages and tarpaulins to 120 residents in selected St Elizabeth communities, including Pond Pen, Spring Park, and Speculation.

Education Support:

$25,000 to each M&M Jamaica Limited Bursary student from the affected areas.
$50,000 to each M&M Scholarship Awardee from the affected areas.

Roof Repair Assistance:

All Souls Anglican Church and Basic School – J$200,000
Assistance to affected members of All Souls Anglican Church – J$450,000
Assistance to affected members of Speculation Apostolic Church – J$300,000
Assistance to affected residents of Spring Park, Pond Pen, and Speculation – J$1,200,000
Assistance to affected residents of Llandilo, Westmoreland – J$1,000,000

Agricultural Aid:

Replacement of all chickens lost by farmers in Spring Park, Pond Pen, and Speculation, plus a one-month supply of feed, with a total allocation of J$1,000,000.

M&M Jamaica Limited said the Montego Bay community is under consideration for inclusion in the company’s relief outreach.