Guardian Group today handed over J$2.3 million to support schools in western Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa, reinforcing its commitment to education, community recovery and regional solidarity.

The contribution forms part of the proceeds from the SHINE 2025 Charity Walk/Run held in Trinidad and Tobago, which raised over J$18 million in support of children’s charities. This year, a portion of the funds was dedicated to Jamaica, reflecting Guardian Group’s belief in responding collectively as a Caribbean community in times of need.

Speaking at the handover, Group Chief Operating Officer, President of Guardian Shared Services Limited and Chairman of the Guardian Group Foundation, Greer Quan, underscored the importance of regional unity and purposeful action. “SHINE represents more than giving. It reflects our responsibility to stand with each other as a region, especially in moments of need. We are proud to partner in supporting schools as they work to restore stability and create the environment students need to learn and thrive,” she shared.

The funds, channelled through the National Education Trust (NET) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, will support priority needs including access to learning materials through shared photocopying services, provision of generators to restore electricity, and minor infrastructural repairs.

Executive Director of the National Education Trust, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, expressed appreciation for the timely support and its impact on the education system. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, many of our schools faced significant challenges that disrupted teaching and learning. This contribution will directly support schools such as Frome Technical High School and others within its cluster, helping to ensure continuity in education. Together, we are restoring opportunity and strengthening a more resilient education system,” she said.

Also bringing remarks at the ceremony, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Rhoda Moy Crawford, commended the Guardian Group for its continued investment in Jamaica’s recovery and development. “This handover is a strong example of regional partnership in action. It is a reminder that Caribbean solidarity is not just an idea, but a lived commitment to each other’s recovery and progress,” she noted. “Contributions like this will directly support critical repairs, replace essential materials and help restore safe, supportive learning environments for our students.”

She added that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that every child returns to a safe and enabling learning environment, while expressing gratitude to regional partners for standing with Jamaica during this period of recovery.

SHINE, which stands for Securing Hope for Those In Need, has grown into a flagship Guardian Group initiative, driven by community participation and a shared commitment to improving the lives of children across the Caribbean.

Today’s handover reflects the power of partnership and collective giving, as Guardian Group continues to support communities not only in moments of celebration, but in times of need.