In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged sections of the island late October, Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG), through its Best Dressed Chicken and Hi-Pro brands, has delivered vital relief to communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Trelawny under its Train of Hope initiative.

The multi-parish mission delivered more than 700 food relief packages; more than 1,500 gallons of water; 70 tarpaulins; upwards of 400 crop farming packages, including seeds, chemicals and fertilisers; 3,000 baby chicks; six metric tonnes of animal feed; on-site health checks and veterinary clinics; more than 800 hot meals; 120 A-Grade whole chickens; clothing, and children’s gifts.

The Train of Hope made three major community stops as part of its 2025 mission, each designed to provide immediate relief while supporting long-term recovery in Pisgah, St Elizabeth; Cornwall Mountain, Westmoreland; and Bunkers Hill, Trelawny.

On November 14, when the train made its first stop in north-western St Elizabeth, JBG reached more than 300 residents in Huntley Castle, Berkshirewood, Cheviot Hills, Berkshire, Dundee, Ginger Hill, Merry Hill, and Ashton with much-needed supplies.

In the following weeks, the outreach continued at Cornwall Mountain All-Age School in Westmoreland, where more than 400 residents from Mt Stewart, Cornwall Mountain, Mt Tirzah, Mair Hall, Castle Mountain, Barneyside, and Cold Spring were supported.

As an added treat on the second stop, residents were delighted to take home A-Grade whole chickens.

The 2025 mission concluded at Bunkers Hill Community Centre in Trelawny on December 12, where JBG continued its integrated relief approach to support families and farmers recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s impact.

This stop supported residents from Bunkers Hill, Friendship, Martha Brae and Wakefield in the parish. The visit also carried added significance, with the team distributing more than 120 Christmas gifts to children in the community, bringing joy and festive cheer to the occasion.

The company’s nurse, who was present at all stops, offered medical screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol checks.

Supporting the mission, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security contributed approximately 200 care packages, while chef Jacqui Tyson partnered with the company to cater at two of the stops, and Chef Garnet at one.

Beyond the Train of Hope community visits, JBG’s hurricane recovery efforts have included the donation of more than 400,000 baby chicks and agricultural inputs through Hi-Pro’s farm store network; donations to the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association, the Jamaica Pig Farmers Association, and the Small Ruminants Association of Jamaica.

Colonel (ret’d) Jaimie Ogilvie, vice-president of Hi-Pro, emphasised the importance of sustained support, noting that all activities were carried out in prayer.

“Guided by our mission to ‘Serve with God’s Guidance’, every action we take is rooted in care and prayer. While the support we provide is multi-faceted and essential, what matters just as much is connecting with the people, hearing their stories, and reminding them of hope through encouragement. Our farmers and their families are the backbone of rural Jamaica, and we remain steadfast in supporting them as they rebuild to thrive,” said Ogilvie.

While the Train of Hope has completed its scheduled stops for the year, JBG says its commitment to hurricane recovery, rural development, and food security remains ongoing.

Colonel Jaimie Ogilvie (right), vice-president of Hi-Pro, leads the distribution of baby chicks in Cornwall Mountain, Westmoreland, during the company’s second Train of Hope stop.

Hi-Pro veterinarians (from left) Tashira Graham, Michael Motta, and Roberta Harris-Daley attend to a dog with an ear injury at Bunkers Hill Community Centre, with the owner helping to safely restrain the pet, during the company’s Hurricane Melissa vet clinic.

Deone Peart (right), safety and environment team lead at The Best Dressed Chicken Hatchery, is all smiles as she hands clothing to a resident at Bunkers Hill Community Centre, Trelawny, as her colleagues carefully sort items to find the perfect fit for other beneficiaries.