In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic strike on Jamaica on October 28, the Jamaican Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) has collaborated with the Chinese community of Jamaica to coordinate an immediate humanitarian response, aimed at rebuilding and rising stronger.

Vincent Chang, President and Johnny Huang, Vice President of the CBA, expressed their heartfelt commitment to this cause: “Our mission is not only to provide relief efforts to the parishes that have impacted greatly by Hurricane Melissa, but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jamaica in the long journey of recovery, to rebuild a more beautiful and improved Jamaica, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as Jamaicans.”

They further stated, “Our goal is to deliver a minimum of 1,000 care packages two to three times per week, every month. Each care package is thoughtfully curated to meet the essential needs of women, men, and children, with bottled waters and juices, nonperishable food items, vital toiletries such as tissue, toothpaste, bath soap, powder laundry soap, baby diapers, wet wipes, female sanitary napkins, along with blankets.”

On November 3, 2025, CBA and the Chinese community of Jamaica, “Help to Rebuild Jamaica Programme,” kicked off with the distribution of care packages in the parish of Saint Elizabeth at the Lacovia Primary School—currently serving as a government shelter. A medical doctor was a part of the team to provide basic healthcare support to those sheltering at the facility. The team extended its efforts to nearby affected communities, including Cuffies Pen and Jones Top, ensuring that essential supplies reached more people.

On November 5, 2025, care packages were distributed in regions across the parish of Trelawny, including Stewart Town, Jackson Town, and Hyde. Additionally, care packages were delivered in the parish of Saint Ann, in regions such as New Banks, Windsor Property, Seaview Heights, and Top Road. On November 7, 2025, care packages were also distributed in the parish of Westmoreland, in areas including Cave, Water Works, and Whithorn. A special donation was made to Savanna-La-Mar Hospital in the capital, which included care packages for men, women, and children, as well as cases of bottled water, bottles of rubbing alcohol, surgical masks, bath rags, blankets, pillows, and clothes. Additionally, care packages were delivered to the Black River Police Station in Black River, the capital of Saint Elizabeth.

A follow-up visit occurred on November 10, 2025, where care packages were distributed the Black River Fire Station. On November 14, 2025, the team returned to Trelawny to deliver care packages to Sherwood, Kinloss, Duanvale, Falmouth Hospital, and regions in the parish of Saint James, including Guava Walk, Catherine Hall, and Moy Hall.

To ensure the effective distribution of care packages, the CBA actively engages with key government stakeholders—the Office of the Prime Minister, members of parliament from the ruling and opposition governments, councillors, mayors, and police chiefs, to provide invaluable on-the-ground insights into the communities most in need. Their support has been instrumental in guiding the CBA with information.

The CBA and the Chinese Community of Jamaica—focus is to help rebuild a stronger and more resilient Jamaica, which is aligned with its “Help to Rebuild Jamaica Programme” mission. They will continue to mobilise donations and the delivery of relief supplies to the hardest-hit parishes. Their unwavering support will persist until full recovery is achieved.