Jamaica Broilers Group has activated a series of relief initiatives to support the parishes most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, with a focus on communities across western Jamaica. 

The company is working alongside key partners and stakeholders, including the international relief agency Samaritan’s Purse, to assist families as they begin the long process of recovery.

Through collaboration with several quick service restaurants (QSRs) and catering partners, our Best Dressed Chicken Division has provided chicken products at no cost to support the preparation and distribution of hot meals to residents in need. Staff members have also been invited to contribute non-perishable food items, water, bedding, hygiene products, clothing, tarpaulin, garbage bags, batteries, flashlights, candles and matches. Designated drop-off points have been established across all Jamaica Broilers locations to facilitate these donations.

A major element of the relief effort is Jamaica Broilers’ partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief organisation, which has flown emergency medical supplies into the island to establish an Emergency Field Hospital in St Elizabeth.

Their ministry teams are on the ground providing compassionate, practical assistance to communities significantly affected by the hurricane. The Best Dressed Chicken distribution team have been working with the Samaritan’s Purse team to transport equipment and supplies from the Norman Manley International Airport to Black River, ensuring material arrives safely and promptly.

On Monday, November 3, 2025, teams from Samaritan’s Purse, The Best Dressed Chicken, Hi-Pro and the Jamaica Defence Force were all on site at Black River High School to support the set-up of the field hospital ahead of nightfall. Jamaica Broilers has also provided Best Dressed Chicken products to ensure that the Samaritan’s Purse volunteer team is well fed as they carry out their ministry on the ground. With food availability limited in the area, these supplies are supporting their service to affected communities and families.

The Hi-Pro Division of the company has also engaged the Jamaica Egg Farmers Association (JEFA), the Jamaica Pig Farmers Association (JPFA), the Small Ruminants Association of Jamaica (SRAJ) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) amongst others, to assess the impact on farmers and identify the most urgent needs. This feedback will guide the development of a targeted support plan for the agricultural sector.

Colonel (Ret’d) Jaimie Ogilvie, vice president of the Hi-Pro Division, noted the significance of the company’s involvement: “We are here at ground zero in Black River. Jamaica Broilers is standing with communities that have been severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. We are more than chicken and agriculture; we are about nation-building. Our teams from The Best Dressed Chicken and Hi-Pro are supporting Samaritan’s Purse through transportation of supplies, provision of water and products, and relief items for our farmers, customers and stakeholders. This is just one example of what we’re doing here in Black River. One of many communities that we will reach with our efforts.”

Colonel Ogilvie also extended appreciation to Wysinco, which partnered with Jamaica Broilers to ensure adequate hydration for patients and families seeking medical care at the field hospital.

“A big thank you also to Wysinco, who partnered with us. They donated 100 cases of water that we’ve handed over to Samaritan’s Purse so they can use it in their field hospital to serve patients who come in. Hydration is critical, and Wysinco did not hesitate. Thank you very much, Wysinco, for coming alongside us. We appreciate it.”

As recovery efforts continue in western Jamaica, Jamaica Broilers Group is actively implementing support initiatives alongside partners and customers to address urgent needs in affected communities.