Sagicor Group Jamaica, through the Sagicor Foundation, has committed approximately J$200 million to assist communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The support package includes J$40 million in direct relief for Sagicor team members. To date, 224 Sagicor team members residing in the hardest-hit parishes have been identified for targeted assistance.

As part of its immediate response, the company has already distributed “family boxes” impacting more than 670 individuals, which includes team members and their families, across 48 communities in five parishes. In addition to this, Sagicor has also mobilised volunteers across its subsidiaries to assist with packaging and distribution.

Grants to support immediate needs and interest-free loans to assist affected team members with long-term rebuilding efforts also form part of the company’s initial response. The local efforts are also supported by Sagicor Financial Company (SFC), the Group’s parent company, which has pledged matching donations from employees in other Sagicor territories, which will go towards long-term recovery efforts.

Sagicor is also exploring every possible way to support clients who have been deeply affected, to help them regain stability and return to a sense of normalcy during this difficult time.

Christopher Zacca, President and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Chairman of the Sagicor Foundation, visited Black River, St. Elizabeth, on November 4 to personally assist with relief distribution and assess the damage caused by the hurricane.

“It was quite disheartening to see the level of devastation in Black River and the toll it has taken on our team members and clients, as well as their families, not to mention the communities we serve,” said Zacca. “Many of our own team members have suffered significant losses, and as an organisation rooted in care and compassion, we are doing everything we can to help them rebuild.”

He reaffirmed Sagicor’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, stating:

“Sagicor has stood beside the people of Jamaica for over five decades, and in this moment of challenge, we remain steadfast in that promise. Beyond assisting our team members, we are committed to working with our partners and the wider community to help restore stability and hope in the areas most adversely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.”

The Sagicor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sagicor Group Jamaica, will continue to coordinate the rollout of this relief initiative.