GraceKennedy (GK) Group, in partnership with global consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G), has delivered essential relief supplies valued at over J$11 million to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and children’s homes to support ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. 

The donation was facilitated through P&G’s local distributor, Consumer Brands Limited (CBL), a GK subsidiary. 

Speaking at the handover to the Ministry of Health and Wellness on March 6 at GK headquarters in downtown Kingston, group CEO Frank James underscored the importance of strong partnerships in responding to national crises.

“Our relationship with P&G spans almost a decade and is built on a foundation of mutual trust and a shared commitment to the communities we serve,” said James.  

“P&G’s swift response in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa demonstrates the strength of that partnership and their commitment to Jamaica. By combining GraceKennedy’s local distribution expertise with P&G’s world-class products, we are able to deliver meaningful support to families and health facilities at a time when it is needed most,” he added.

The donation includes essential hygiene and household products such as Pampers diapers, Always sanitary products, Gain detergent, Oral-B toothbrushes, Charmin tissue, and Bounty paper towels. The supplies will be distributed through the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) and the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) to support patient care, hospital operations, clinic-level service delivery, and staff welfare in communities hardest hit by the storm.

Also present at the handover was Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton, who expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting the scale of the hurricane’s impact across western Jamaica. Hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans in the region were affected, he said, not only physically, but also by the mental and emotional strain the hurricane placed on individuals, families and communities. 

He acknowledged the dedication of healthcare teams in the region, many of whom were managing the dual responsibility of caring for patients while also coping with the impact of the storm on their own families and communities.  

Minister Tufton also emphasised that recovery from a disaster of this scale requires a collective effort. He noted that partnerships between the public and private sectors are critical to rebuilding communities, and that investing in health and wellness strengthens productivity and creates an environment where both people and businesses can thrive. 

The P&G donation forms part of the Health and Wellness pillar of GraceKennedy’s over J$200 million Hurricane Melissa Relief Programme, which focuses on supporting healthcare institutions and vulnerable communities during the recovery process. 

The handover on March 6 followed earlier distributions from the P&G donation to Mustard Seed Communities, including the Blessed Assurance Home in Montego Bay, and the Manning Child Care Facility in St. Elizabeth, through the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). 

Additional support will also be provided to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, helping ensure continued care for young patients from western Jamaica receiving specialised treatment in Kingston.