TECH Beach Retreat (TBR) and Infiniti Partnership have supported the routing of a significant in-kind nutrition donation through the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) for distribution in partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, as part of ongoing relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

The donation, valued at more than US$275,000 ($43 million), is intended to support communities facing prolonged displacement, food insecurity, and the physical demands of recovery and rebuilding.

The product is a premium, globally recognised, daily greens-based nutritional supplement. Distribution will prioritise vulnerable populations and frontline relief efforts, with Food for the Poor overseeing allocation through its established national network.

“Every aspect of this donation — from the product itself to international freight and local transportation — has been fully covered by Tech Beach Retreat and its partners. Food for the Poor Jamaica, alongside other trusted partners, will now ensure the product is safely delivered into the hands of those who can benefit most.

“In disaster recovery, nutrition is often overlooked once immediate emergency needs are addressed,” said Kirk-Anthony Hamilton, CEO and director of Tech Beach Retreat.

“Yet sustained access to nutrition is essential for energy, immunity, and overall resilience — particularly for families, the elderly, and those engaged in physically demanding recovery work,” added Hamilton.

He argued that ordinary citizens and private networks can play a meaningful role in recovery when mobilised effectively.

“When the hurricane struck, we leaned into our existing partner ecosystem and focused on innovation — tapping networks not traditionally associated with humanitarian response. This product is not distributed in Jamaica, but the company was willing to respond when called upon,” said Hamilton.

The donation was facilitated through AFJ to ensure appropriate governance, transparency, and coordination with trusted local partners. Food for the Poor Jamaica will manage on-the-ground distribution, drawing on decades of experience delivering humanitarian aid across the island.

“Nutrition plays a critical role in recovery, particularly as communities transition from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding,” said AFJ President Caron Chung.

“We are pleased to help facilitate this support through established partners to ensure it reaches those who need it most,” added Chung.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across Jamaica, displacing thousands of households and placing sustained strain on community support systems when it hit the island on October 28, 2025 with the south-western and north-western sections of the island most affected.

Initial estimates put the infrastructure damage at more than US$8.8 billion — a staggering impact for an economy with a gross domestic product of just over US$19 billion.

While early relief efforts focused on shelter and immediate survival, recovery leaders have emphasised that long-term rebuilding requires a more holistic approach — one that includes nutrition as a foundational element of human well-being.

“This contribution reflects the importance of coordinated, responsible relief,” said Hamilton.

“When organisations work together through trusted channels, aid can reach communities in a way that preserves dignity and maximises impact,” added Hamilton.