SEPROD Foundation and Angostura have reached a significant milestone in their long-term Hurricane Melissa recovery partnership with the official handover and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first completed housing intervention under the initiative.

The newly completed home, located in Seaford Town, Westmoreland, was presented to the Simpson-Whyte family, whose home was destroyed during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Since the hurricane, the family had been living in temporary shelter while awaiting the opportunity to rebuild.

The handover marks the first of four housing interventions being delivered through the Angostura-supported recovery programme, which is helping families in Seaford Town and Crawford, St Elizabeth, regain safe, secure housing and rebuild their lives with dignity.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together representatives from Angostura, Seprod Foundation, community members and Seprod Group volunteers to celebrate a milestone that represents hope, resilience and the power of partnership.

“After everything we went through, there were times we wonder if we would ever have a place we can call home again,” said Alvin Whyte. “Living in a shelter is difficult, but today our family is turning a new page. We are grateful to Angostura and the Seprod Foundation for giving us the opportunity to start over in a place we can once again call home.”

“This first home represents exactly what this partnership was created to achieve,” said Lisa D’Oyen, executive director of the Seprod Foundation. “Recovery goes beyond replacing what was lost. It is about restoring stability, dignity and hope to families as they rebuild their lives. We are proud to partner with Angostura to deliver meaningful support where it is needed most and to ensure recovery reaches those who continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Melissa.”

From left: Alvin Whyte and Nania Simpson, home recipients; Lisa D’Oyen, executive director of the Seprod Foundation; and Venesha Henry, community member, mark the handover of a newly rebuilt home in Seaford Town, Westmoreland, made possible through the Angostura, Seprod Foundation Hurricane Melissa recovery programme.

For Angostura, the handover reflects the company’s commitment to supporting long-term recovery efforts that create lasting impact across the Caribbean.

Angostura’s Chairman Gary Hunt indicated that the road to recovery following Hurricane Melissa requires sustained commitment, meaningful partnerships and a focus on long-term outcomes.

“Supporting communities in times of need is central to Angostura’s values. Through this partnership with the Seprod Foundation, we are investing in more than homes. We are investing in the well-being and future of families affected by Hurricane Melissa. We remain committed to standing with these communities throughout their recovery and rebuilding journey.”

Angostura’s CEO Ian Forbes said Angostura believes Caribbean communities are strongest when we support one another.

“Seeing this family move from temporary shelter into a safe home is a powerful reminder of the difference collective action can make in people’s lives. The true measure of recovery is seeing families return to safe, secure homes. Seeing families move from uncertainty to stability is what recovery is all about and we are proud to support that journey.”

The housing initiative forms part of the wider Angostura and Seprod Foundation Hurricane Melissa recovery programme, built on three pillars: housing recovery for displaced families, animal welfare support delivered in partnership with the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and small business recovery. Through the partnership, four families are receiving housing interventions, 12 shopkeepers and bar owners have been provided with building materials to repair and reopen their businesses, and animal welfare initiatives continue to support vulnerable dogs in hurricane-affected communities.