ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Still reeling from the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, residents of Parottee in St Elizabeth received much-needed assistance recently, as the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA), with its partners, mounted a major community outreach, delivering relief supplies, medical care and psychosocial support.

Andre McNab of the VPA, who led on the initiative, said that it was a collaborative effort with the Sakura Express Restaurant, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Luminary Health Medical Centre and Kozy Korner Books.

The ministry provided educational materials on leptospirosis, dengue, prevention of mosquito breeding and making water safe to drink, along with mosquito repellents.

“We realised that this community needed some assistance given the devastation of Hurricane Melissa on the community. We are grateful for the partners that have supported this initiative. We were happy to provide some relief; we had counselling sessions for the men and women, and we organised some activities for the children,” he said.

More than 200 care packages were distributed by the VPA along with partners and 450 warm meals were prepared and distributed by Sakura Express Restaurant.

For many residents, the support came at the right time. “I lost everything in the hurricane,” said Lorna Bennett, one of the beneficiaries. “My house collapsed during the hurricane. I am grateful for the assistance,” as she expressed that she would need help to rebuild her house.

Another resident, Conroy Williams, a chicken farmer who lost his house and livelihood, said the assistance was appreciated.

“My house blew down, and I was inside there and managed to escape with my life. I lost everything; the fowl coop, the sea came up and took everything,” he said, while expressing gratitude for the assistance.

Thirteen women participated in one-on-one counselling sessions delivered by the team’s social worker. Many expressed feelings of anxiety, grief and uncertainty after losing homes, jobs and daily routines.

The sessions focused on coping mechanisms and emotional recovery, providing a safe space most residents say they have not had since the disaster.

A total of 55 residents, including children, received medical checks from the Luminary Health Medical Centre that partnered on the initiative.

“The main issue is that a lot of the elderly with chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes have been tapering down their medication, so it lasts longer,” Dr Gena Llewellyn, chief medical officer at Luminary Health Medical Centre, said. “Some are taking one pill instead of two, and others have run out completely because the health centre was damaged and they can’t get refills.”

The medical team saw pregnant women, children and vulnerable elderly people and provided samples of pain medication, fungal creams and cough medicine for children.

“With everything that has happened here, they need our help more than ever,” added Dr Llewellyn.

Meanwhile, 35 children took part in a structured session aimed at boosting emotional wellbeing.

Music facilitator, Emily Elliot led drumming and singing sessions, while Leslie-Ann Belnavis, art therapist guided children through drawings, colouring and writing “messages of hope”, which now decorate their classroom.

Colleen Wint-Bond, coordinator of the VPA’s WE TALK Project, said the activities were organised after a request from the principal.

“We wanted to uplift them and give them a vision of hope,” she said. “The children were excited and fully involved, and it gave them a chance to smile and express themselves after everything they’ve been through.”

Gift bags with crayons, colouring books, storybooks, snacks and drinks were donated by Kozy Corner Bookshop and programme partners.

The ‘Big Man Ting’, a programme being implemented by the VPA under the WE-Talk project, had a session focusing on positive masculinity and emotional resilience for almost 60 men.

The session was adapted to address the immediate realities facing the community, so the men had the opportunity to express their grief at their loss and provided counselling by trained facilitators.

“Parottee is a fishing village, and many of the men have lost their boats and gear,” Wint-Bond explained. “They needed a space to talk openly about their fears, their families and how they’re going to rebuild.”

Male facilitators led the discussions, which participants described as timely and helpful. Young men also received care packages, backpacks and informational flyers on health and safety.

Wint-Bond said the VPA and partners are already exploring options for a follow-up visit.