Life
JAM | Nov 12, 2025

UCC Foundation ramps up relief drive for students affected by Hurricane Melissa

/ Our Today

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The UCC Foundation (UCCF), an extension of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) on Friday, November 7, 2025, delivered hurricane relief packages to its regional campus in Mandeville. Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, a significant number of students and staff reported limited access to basic necessities, prompting immediate action by the University’s Foundation. Items such as bottled water, non-perishable food, sanitary products, and toiletries were provided for distribution by the Campus Manager. Photographed here are (from left): Terry Biggs, Programme Coordinator; Larcia Thompson, Administrative Assistant; Shelly-Ann Sital, Foundation Administrator of the UCC Foundation; Genefa Hibbert, Executive Director of the UCC Foundation; Professor Colin Gyles CD PhD, President of the UCC; and Faith Blair, Campus Manager.

The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), through its philanthropic arm, the UCC Foundation (UCCF), has coordinated post-hurricane relief efforts with the delivery of care packages to regional campuses. 

With the successful delivery on Friday, November 7, to its Mandeville campus, UCCF has made significant contributions to the lives of members of the university community residing in the parishes that were adversely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

In response to the islandwide disaster, the University established a strategic stream of communication for students and staff, designed to provide support to community members most affected by Hurricane Melissa. The relief packages contained bottled water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, sanitary products, and articles of clothing.

This donation is the second of its kind, following the Foundation’s initial relief to the UCC Montego Bay campus on Tuesday, November 4.

Despite ongoing challenges at the regional campuses where electricity, running water, and internet connectivity remain unavailable, the UCCF continues to provide critical restorative efforts.

“We stand in solidarity with our UCC family and all Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa,” expressed Professor Colin Gyles, President of UCC. “Our priority is to ensure the well-being of our students and staff as we work together to rebuild and recover.”

This initiative by the UCCF forms part of the University’s broader efforts to sustain student engagement in planned phases, as well as the repair of infrastructure following thorough damage assessments.

The UCC continues to offer its assistance and assurance to all those impacted by the hurricane and reaffirms its commitment to providing meaningful support during this time of need.

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