Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 storm, has resulted in widespread destruction across the country.
Preliminary assessments from Jamaican and international authorities estimate physical damage at more than US$8.8 billion, representing roughly 41 per cent of the country’s GDP. Total economic losses have been projected at over US$20 billion and at least 45 deaths already confirmed, with numbers expected to rise as recovery teams gain fuller access to isolated communities. Some parishes, most notably St Elizabeth and Westmoreland, have suffered near-total devastation.
These impacts reflect not just structural ruin, but a severe disruption to the daily lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of Jamaicans. Schools, health facilities, community institutions and agricultural sectors have been crippled, raising concerns about medium- and long-term social and economic stability.
As part of the response, the ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa, administered by the JN Foundation, has been activated by the JN Group to facilitate contributions towards rebuilding lives. The fund is designed to ensure transparency and direct impact, prioritising groups most exposed to harm and institutions critical for community resilience.
This is how donated funds will be allocated:
- 40% to support early childhood institutions
- 30% to support homes for the most vulnerable and at-risk groups
- 30% for First Responders and community groups
How to Donate
If you’re living in Canada and wish to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts through the JN Group, you can make donations directly through the ISupportJamaica fund website with a credit card or wiring funds to our JN Bank account. Go to isupportjamaica.com for more information and donate.
Every contribution, big or small, from the diaspora will be crucial to helping Jamaica build back better.
