KINGSTON, Jamaica — One year after Hurricane Melissa devastated sections of western Jamaica, the Sanmerna Foundation has provided $5 million in financial assistance to three families still struggling to rebuild their lives.

The donation, made possible through a partnership with international supplier Manuchar Paper and Pulp, will assist families in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland with rebuilding their homes, as recovery efforts continue in communities severely affected by the hurricane.

The initiative forms part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Jamaicans affected by the disaster, with the organisation maintaining that its responsibility to vulnerable families extends well beyond the immediate aftermath.

Speaking during the presentation, Sanmerna Foundation Project Manager Paige Dixon said the organisation remained committed to fulfilling its promise to assist affected families, despite the financial challenges its parent company, Sanmerna Paper Products, experienced following the hurricane.

“Today marks one year since we had Hurricane Melissa, and of course Sanmerna has been here in St Elizabeth, in the western parts of Jamaica, from the beginning,” Dixon said. “We continue to help our countrymen; we continue to rebuild Jamaica. Today we gave a $5 million donation to three families in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland in aid of helping them to rebuild their homes, as we promised.”

Dixon revealed that the hurricane had also affected the company’s operations, resulting in the loss of longstanding customers and a decline in revenue. However, she stressed that those setbacks had not diminished its commitment to assisting Jamaicans in need.

“We, of course, lost some longstanding customers and it did affect our revenue, but we had to keep our commitment because, at the end of the day, it does not lessen our compassion for Jamaicans,” she said.

“We’re just overwhelmed and happy to keep our commitment and continue to live out our mission. Our mission says to ‘Empower lives and inspire hope’, and it’s initiatives such as these that help us to bring forth our mission,” she added.

For Sanmerna Foundation Secretary Mark White, the presentation was particularly emotional, especially the opportunity to assist St Elizabeth resident Nicola Gowdie, whose plight following the hurricane had deeply affected him.

White recalled seeing Gowdie on television shortly after the disaster and being moved to tears by her circumstances. A year later, he said, her continued struggle to secure adequate shelter underscored the importance of sustained assistance for hurricane victims.

“Seeing her on the television one year ago touched my life and brought tears to my eyes,” White said. “To see how she felt today when we approached her and gave her back some hope… and to know that on this one-year anniversary she’s still not in a comfortable space or has a roof over her head, we’re glad we could do this for her. It was tears of joy.”

An emotional Gowdie expressed gratitude to the foundation and those who contributed to making the assistance possible.

“I thank you very much, Mr Robert White and Mr Mark White and Miss Paige Dixon and the rest of the people who made it possible for me. I thank you all,” she said.

Another recipient, Earl Nesbeth, was overcome with emotion as he expressed his appreciation for the financial support.

“I’m more than thankful, man. God bless unuh,” a tearful Nesbeth said.

Fellow beneficiary Sharon Wright also welcomed the assistance, noting that the contribution would make a significant difference in her recovery efforts.

“I thank Sanmerna very much for the donation, for it can help a lot,” Wright said.

The foundation said the initiative highlights the importance of international partnerships and collective action in supporting communities still grappling with the long-term consequences of Hurricane Melissa.

(Video: Ramon Thompson)

Nicola Gowdie receives $3 million from the Sanmerna Foundation.

Earl Nesbeth receives $1 million from the Sanmerna Foundation.

Sharon Wright receives $1 million from the Sanmerna Foundation.

Nicola Gowdie shares a moment with representatives of the Sanmerna Foundation.