WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Recovery efforts in Project STAR communities that were affected by Hurricane Melissa received a significant boost following a $5 million donation from Carreras, reinforcing a coordinated approach  toward long-term community resilience and economic recovery.

The donation supported immediate humanitarian assistance for hundreds of vulnerable households in Salt Spring, St James, and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, two communities that suffered widespread damage and disruption to livelihoods as a result of the hurricane. In the days following the storm, many residents faced food insecurity and loss of income, making timely intervention critical.

Project Director of Project STAR, Saffrey Brown, said the donation underscored the importance of targeted private-sector support that responds directly to community-identified needs.

“Hurricane Melissa had a devastating impact on many of the families we work with, particularly those who depend on small businesses and informal economic activity for their livelihoods,” Brown said.

“Carreras’ support came at a crucial time and allowed us to act swiftly. Because we are already embedded in these communities, we were able to ensure that help reached those who were most affected, while also maintaining dignity and transparency in the distribution process,” she added.

This latest contribution increases Carreras’ investment in the work of Project STAR to $35 million, reflecting a sustained partnership focused on long-term community development, recovery and resilience.

Corporate Affairs Manager and Company Secretary at Carreras Limited, Imega Breese McNab, said the company views community resilience as a shared responsibility and emphasised the importance of standing with communities over the long term.

“Natural disasters do not end when the headlines fade,” Breese McNab said. “The effects linger for families and small businesses. Our partnership with Project STAR reflects our belief that meaningful support must go beyond emergency aid and contribute to rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening communities for the future.”

As part of its continued engagement with Project STAR through the end of 2025, Carreras also hosted a Christmas treat in Savanna-la-Mar, providing warm meals and gifts to over 200 residents during the festive period. The initiative offered both practical support and moments of joy for families still grappling with the long-term effects of Hurricane Melissa, reinforcing the importance of sustained presence beyond immediate disaster response.

Brown noted that while emergency relief remains essential, Project STAR is now deliberately transitioning its response to focus on recovery and resilience including rolling out business restart support in the affected communities.

“Relief was the first step,” she stressed. “Our next phase is about helping people restart businesses, restore income streams and rebuild economic stability. This is how communities truly recover and become more resilient to future shocks.”

“Our business restart initiative focuses on assisting small entrepreneurs and household enterprises to recover lost income, repair or replace equipment and re-establish operations disrupted by the storm,” she informed.

She added that the collaboration between Carreras and Project STAR demonstrates the vital role of private-sector partnerships in national resilience efforts.

“By combining financial support with on-the-ground community engagement, the initiative is helping to move affected communities from crisis response to recovery, ensuring that families are not only supported in the immediate term but are also empowered to rebuild and thrive in the months and years ahead,” she said.