South Florida, home to one of Jamaica’s largest Diaspora communities, launched a major relief effort for the thousands of people affected by Hurricane Melissa which struck Jamaica on October 28.

The campaign is led by Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, with assistance from regional civic leaders.

In an interview with Observer Online, Mair said the main source of relief supplies came from Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Food For The Poor, American Friends of Jamaica, Miami Foundation, World Central Kitchens and Samaritan Purse.

“The response so far has been very enthusiastic from the South Florida community. We have had hundreds of volunteers who have been giving their time at Global Empowerment Mission and Food For The Poor. Before the system turned into a hurricane, there was already activity packing containers for Jamaica,” Mair disclosed.

That shipment landed in Kingston on October 30. The Consul General’s office also worked with South Florida Caribbean Strong, an organisation that has assisted Caribbean countries affected by natural disasters since Hurricane Maria struck the region in 2017.

Marlon Hill, a Jamaican attorney who lives in South Florida, is a senior member of South Florida Caribbean Strong. He said the response to Melissa’s devastation was prompt.

“We have been collecting steadily, priority items such as water, hygiene products, and non-perishable foods. Donors include both individuals, corporations and local non-profit organisations. The Miami Heat and Carnival Cruise Line organisations donated US$1M to relief efforts,” Hill told the Observer.

In Miramar, City commissioner Eddy Edwards said fire stations have been designated drop-off spots for relief items. The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, scheduled for Miramar Regional Park on November 9, has partnered with SSMC Xpress and Connex to collect non-perishable food at that location.

A Category 5 hurricane, Melissa packed 185 miles per hour winds. Prime Minister Andrew Holness reports that it resulted in the deaths of 32 people.

Melissa also caused severe damage to the parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland and St James, including commercial areas of Santa Cruz, Black River, Savanna-la-Mar and Montego Bay. Sections of Clarendon, Manchester, Hanover, St Ann, Trelawny and St Thomas were also affected.