ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica —Determined to carry on her mother’s benevolence, Kerry-Ann Henry started the Verona Foundation shortly after her death in August.

Two months later, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, and she immediately took action.

A visit to the beleaguered parish of St Elizabeth in December was the Verona Foundation’s first venture. Henry led a 16-member team to affected areas, distributing care packages to many people displaced by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28.

“By mobilising our network, we turn compassion into concrete relief — delivering food, shelter, and a sense of solidarity to those who need it most. We saw an opportunity to live out our promise, to be the steady hand that helps Jamaica rebuild, stronger and more resilient, one act of kindness at a time,” Henry told the Observer Online.

Her team made stops in the districts of Slipe, Holland Village, and Burnt Savannah. With the support of American companies like WestPoint Home, Welspun, Loftex Home, Silk Home, 1818 Mills, Pem America Inc, “and various individuals”, they issued non-perishable food, water, toiletries, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, clothing, tents, portable bathrooms and bedding to the affected.

Henry described the situation in St Elizabeth as challenging, as many families lived in makeshift homes with tarpaulin as roofs. En route to the communities, the Verona Foundation delegation saw many roads strewn with utility wires from poles downed by Melissa, which also caused mayhem in Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny.

According to statistics provided by the Jamaican government, the hurricane caused 45 deaths.

Born in Kingston, Henry lives in Connecticut and is a director of the New York Women’s Foundation, an organisation that promotes philanthropy and female empowerment.

She grew up seeing her mother, Verona Whyte, helping people in need. An entrepreneur, Whyte was active in several communities, including her hometown of Sherlock Crescent in Kingston.

As she followed news of Melissa’s destruction from the United States, Henry was compelled to help.

“Seeing homes ripped apart, families stranded, and communities left without basics reminded us that a single act of generosity can spark a chain reaction of hope. We remain committed to supporting Jamaica during these difficult times,” she said.