The Jamaica National (JN) Group, through its philanthropic arm, the JN Foundation, has handed over more than seven 40-foot containers of hurricane relief supplies to Food for the Poor, aimed at supporting vulnerable communities and institutions across Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

The donations, which include food items, household supplies, gloves, and other essential goods, were contributed and packaged by JN members, JLB Shipping, Cleone Foods, the Legacy Centre of Excellence, Save a Million Lives, and Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans living in the United Kingdom. The initiative was coordinated through the JN Bank Representative Office in the UK, providing a trusted channel for members of the Jamaican diaspora to contribute to recovery efforts as the Category 5 storm struck the island.

Paulette Simpson, Executive of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy for the JN Group in the UK, who coordinated the relief effort, said the response demonstrates the enduring connection Jamaicans abroad maintain with their homeland.

“There’s a lot of love out there for Jamaica, and when disasters happen, people abroad often feel helpless. This initiative gave them a place to come, to interact and to help relieve some of the pain and suffering in Jamaica,” she said. “We’ve been in the UK for almost 40 years, so facilitating our members’ ability to help their communities was a natural part of our mission.”

Mark Khouri, Chief Operating Officer of Food for the Poor, welcomed the partnership, noting that his organisation will work with government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Jamaica Defence Force, to ensure the relief items are delivered fairly and efficiently.

“Our aim is to make sure the goods reach the most vulnerable and are delivered in an efficient and coordinated way,” he said.

Parris Lyew-Ayee, Chairman of the JN Foundation, said the donations are both symbols of hope and practical support for long-term recovery.

“We recognise that recovery from Hurricane Melissa is not a one-day event, but a long-standing effort. Based on Food for the Poor’s track record and deep knowledge of the communities on the ground, we knew they were the right partner to ensure this support reaches those who truly need it,” he said. “In times of disaster, hope needs to move faster than despair, and what we are witnessing here is hope in action.”

Lyew-Ayee also expressed gratitude to colleagues, volunteers, and well-wishers in the UK, noting that JN Foundation volunteers will assist Food for the Poor in packaging items for distribution.

JLB International Shipping Limited coordinated the shipment of the relief supplies. Chief Executive Officer Beverley Johnson said the operation began following a request from the UK Jamaica High Commission and quickly evolved into a large-scale humanitarian effort, with donations coming from across the UK, including as far as Scotland.

Johnson added that the collaboration has set the stage for continued support, with JLB and the JN Foundation planning future donations, including medical supplies for Jamaica.

Beyond the physical supplies, Jamaicans in the UK have also contributed thousands of pounds sterling to the ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa, managed by the JN Group. To date, more than J$13 million have been raised to support early childhood institutions, homes for at-risk groups, first responders, and community organisations.

Caption: Paulette Simpson (right), Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy for the JN Group in the UK examines items shipped to Food for the Poor along with Chief Operating Officer of Food for the Poor, Mark Khouri (left) and Chairman of the JN Foundation, Parris Lyew-Ayee.