KINGSTON, Jamaica — In its ongoing mission to provide vital hurricane relief, the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) recently returned to the heart of eastern Hanover, venturing deeper into rural areas to deliver additional supplies to those most in need, particularly the elderly.

Despite steady progress in the recovery efforts across the island, access to districts in deep rural areas remains a significant challenge. The BGLC said its second visit to this region, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa which struck in October 2025, focused on providing crucial support to senior citizens and indigent households in the communities of Jericho, Retrieve and Claremont.

Many residents in these areas are living in homes with significant structural damage, and the BGLC’s distribution of mattresses and tarpaulins has been a welcome relief.

“We went to people’s homes,” said Andria Dehaney-Grant, councillor for the Sandy Bay Division in Hanover and principal of the Maryland Primary and Infant School, who assisted the BGLC with the coordination of the house visits and distribution of supplies. “We went to those with the greatest need, some who had lost everything — up in the hills to the elderly, and to households with children. The place was devastated and we thank the BGLC for returning. We are all grateful as this instils hope.”

Dehaney-Grant remains optimistic, reflecting the resilience of the people of Hanover, who continue to persevere despite the challenges. Although the Maryland Primary and Infant School sustained significant damage, including the loss of water tanks, the roof of the bathroom and damage to greenhouses and shade houses, the school has resumed operations.

“We have our full complement of students though persons have moved out of the area. After the hurricane, we were without electricity for some seven weeks with classes kept for shorter hours when we resumed. With all the challenges we’re pushing ahead,” she said.

The BGLC had previously assisted eastern Hanover in December of the previous year, providing hurricane relief packages to numerous families, many of whom were contracted tourism workers who had lost their livelihoods. In collaboration with Rise Life Management Services, the commission also offered counselling to support residents through their recovery.

“We have returned because recovery from national disasters requires sustained commitment. The BGLC will remain a supporting pillar in our nation’s rebuilding efforts,” said Wendy Robertson, corporate affairs and communication manager of the BGLC.