AS Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa which hit the island late October, National Rums of Jamaica Limited (NRJ), on behalf of its shareholders, Demerara Distillers Limited of Guyana, handed over a donation of bottled water and juices to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, reinforcing national relief efforts beyond the immediate emergency phase.

The donation comprised two 40-foot containers carrying 3,376 cases of bottled water and more than 1,500 cases of juices. The supplies will be distributed through the ministry’s relief programme to families still facing displacement, income loss, and ongoing challenges related to damaged housing and infrastructure.

Martha Miller, CEO of NRJ, said the company was pleased to represent its shareholders and support Jamaica during a difficult recovery period when access to clean drinking water remains a challenge for families rebuilding their lives.

In accepting the donation, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr said, while disaster response is often strongest in the first few weeks, the period that follows can be the most difficult for affected households.

“After the first month many persons depart, not for bad reason, but because they’ve already given what they can. It is during this transition period that consistent partners become critical,” said Charles Jr.

He explained that many families remain under severe strain due to disrupted livelihoods and unstable living conditions, with some households still unable to earn income or properly store basic supplies.

“You can survive without light, and sometimes even without food for a time, but water is essential,” Charles Jr said, underscoring the importance of the donation.

He pointed out that with the Christmas season underway, the ministry is intensifying outreach across parishes most affected by the hurricane.

According to Charles Jr, the donated supplies will help the ministry provide both practical assistance and a measure of comfort to families in need during the holidays.

He said his ministry, working alongside the Jamaica Defence Force, private-sector partners, and trained social workers, continues to rely on ongoing assessments to guide the distribution of relief, ensuring that support is targeted and sustained beyond the initial response.

“Our goal is to build forward stronger,” Charles Jr said. “We want Jamaica and Jamaicans to be in a more resilient position than they were before Hurricane Melissa.”

He also expressed gratitude to NRJ, Demerara Distillers, and the many private-sector partners, volunteers, and public servants who have contributed to recovery efforts, including ministry staff who have continued serving despite being personally affected.

“That is the true reflection of the Jamaican spirit,” the minister said. “We are bold, we are brave, we are courageous, and we are kind.”