A significant donation of building supplies, valued at more than £30,000 ($6 million) is currently on the way to Jamaica to assist in providing robust and secure temporary accommodation for families displaced by Hurricane Melissa.

The donation is the result of a collaborative effort between Tazio Heath, founder and CEO of Trizone Electrical Services Ltd (UK); Trizone Haulage Services Ltd (Jamaica) and Simon Lawson, chairman of Lawson’s Timber, Building and Fencing Supplies.

Heath, who is originally from Old Harbour, St Catherine, was in Jamaica when the Category 5 hurricane struck the island.

“Seeing the destruction first-hand compelled me to act,” he said of the devastation he witnessed.

“I knew I had to do something meaningful for the people of Jamaica who were severely impacted. After discussions with friends and partners, we concluded that the most effective way to help was by providing building materials. In the days following the hurricane, the overwhelming cry from communities was for materials to rebuild shelters and restore some sense of security.”

Lawson explained how the initiative came together.

“Taz reached out to me and, having spent time in the Caribbean, I understand the devastation hurricanes can bring. He made it very clear that what people urgently needed were construction materials to rebuild basic shelter. As a builders’ merchant, that is exactly what we are able to supply. After consulting with our suppliers and internal team, we all agreed to support the effort. As a result, we have earmarked 19 tonnes of building materials for this cause.”

When asked what motivated his company to support such a significant humanitarian effort,

Lawson explained the values that guide his business.

“I come from a Quaker background, and the philosophy of Quakerism teaches that business is not solely about making money; it is about building and supporting communities. The greatest privilege of running a business is the opportunity to help others, particularly when they are facing tragedies or circumstances beyond their control, such as natural disasters. Businesses must have a moral compass and should never be driven purely by profit,” he said.

The cargo departed England’s Port of Hull on February 17, 2026, and is expected to arrive in Jamaica soon. The shipment includes timber, plywood, tarpaulins, fittings, tools, and other essential construction material intended to help families rebuild temporary but secure accommodation in the aftermath of the disaster.

Also involved in the initiative is St Thomas-born Marlon Barclay, Heath’s close friend who played an instrumental role in the planning, procurement, and loading of the building material. Both men are expected to travel to Jamaica to meet the shipment and work alongside the Jamaican Government’s relief efforts to ensure the items reach communities most in need.

“We are committed to ensuring that these materials reach the north-west St James constituency, an area that has not received significant attention but was nevertheless severely affected by this unprecedented hurricane. Our priority is to ensure the support reaches the people who need it most,” Barclay noted.

HEATH… seeing the destruction first-hand compelled me to act .

BARCLAY… our priority is to ensure the support reaches the people who need it most.