KINGSTON, Jamaica-Jamrock Jerk, New York City’s street cart experience offering authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine, says it will prioritise the recruitment of Jamaicans from areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa through the US H-2B Visa Program for seasonal workers.

The mobile food service operator, headed by Magnus McKellar, with over 20 locations across New York City, traditionally recruits seasonal workers from Jamaica.

In light of the hurricane’s impact, the company will dedicate its 2026 season (April–November) recruitment efforts to parishes most severely affected.

“Last December, as we explored meaningful ways to offer assistance, we decided to prioritise our 2026 recruitment process in areas most impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This initiative forms part of ongoing recovery efforts, and applicants from the parishes of St Elizabeth, Trelawny, Manchester, St James, Westmoreland and Hanover will receive priority consideration,” McKellar said.

McKellar noted that candidates must demonstrate exceptional customer service and food-service skills, along with strong critical-thinking abilities and a welcoming disposition.

Applicants with practical, technical or mechanical skills—including driving, kitchen support, equipment servicing and maintenance—will also be favourably considered. The programme is expected to accept approximately 60 successful applicants, providing them with earning opportunities that will support their families and contribute to Jamaica’s wider economic recovery.

“For the 2025 season, we paid seasonal Jamaican workers’ salaries totalling approximately US$1 million. We believe this targeted recruitment initiative will have a positive impact on individual recovery efforts and, ultimately, on the Jamaican economy,” McKellar added.