US State Department announces additional US$2.5M for Melissa recovery at AmCham Gala
/ Our Today
administrator
Jamaica’s ongoing recovery efforts following the passing of Hurricane Melissa received a significant boost last Wednesday night as the United States Department of State announced an additional US$2.5 million in humanitarian assistance during the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AmCham Jamaica) Business & Civic Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility Awards and 40th Anniversary Gala, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
The announcement, made during the presentation of the Eagle of the Americas Award to the Bureau for Disaster and Humanitarian Response (DHR) of the US Department of State, underscored the continuing humanitarian partnership between Jamaica and the United States in the wake of the devastating Category 5 hurricane that struck the island in October 2025.
The additional funding builds on more than US$22 million in emergency humanitarian assistance already mobilised by the United States Government following Hurricane Melissa, one of the most destructive storms to impact Jamaica in recent history.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Taylor Garrett accepted the Eagle of the Americas Award on behalf of DHR and reflected on the importance of sustained partnership and resilience throughout Jamaica’s recovery process.
AmCham Jamaica President Ann-Dawn Young Sang noted that the evening highlighted the critical role of international cooperation during moments of national crisis.
“The response to Hurricane Melissa demonstrated the extraordinary impact of partnership, compassion and coordinated leadership,” Young Sang said. “As AmCham Jamaica marks 40 years of strengthening ties between Jamaica and the United States, it is fitting that we recognise a humanitarian effort that brought hope and relief to so many Jamaicans during one of the country’s most difficult periods.”
She continued, “AmCham Jamaica will continue advocating for sustainable growth, expanded investment, innovation, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. We will continue supporting emerging opportunities in renewable energy, including solar and wind, while encouraging investments that strengthen both our economy and our resilience, as this is what meaningful partnership looks like.”
The Anniversary Gala brought together senior government officials, diplomats, private sector leaders and members of the philanthropic community to celebrate leadership, civic engagement and corporate responsibility.
Among the evening’s top honours was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to The Hon. Karl Hendrickson, OJ, CD, Hon. LLD for his extraordinary contributions to business, tourism, philanthropy and national development. The award was accepted on his behalf by his son, Kevin Hendrickson, granddaughter, Amanda Hendrickson, and great-grandson, Dylan Marzouca.
The coveted 2026 President’s Award was presented to Audrey Tugwell-Henry, President and CEO of Scotiabank Jamaica, for her exemplary civic leadership and impact on Jamaica’s financial sector. Her daughter, Peter-Kay Henry, accepted the award on her behalf.
The Civic Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards programme highlighted organisations and individuals whose work continues to strengthen families and communities across the nation. This year, special Good Samaritan Awards were presented in recognition of humanitarian support following Hurricane Melissa, honouring the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and the Sean Paul Foundation for their extraordinary relief efforts in the affected Western communities.
In the CSR categories, Danielle Rae Neil/The Happi Hub was named winner for Small Organisations, while the Grace Kennedy Group received top honours in the Large Organisations category. The AmCham Jamaica Civic Leadership Awards for Excellence for Large Companies were awarded to the Digicel Foundation, while Christopher Chinapoo walked away with the coveted prize for the Individuals and Small Organisations category.
AmCham Jamaica extends sincere appreciation to its valued sponsors whose generous support made the milestone celebration possible, including SOL Petroleum, Legend, Excelerate Energy, the Flow Foundation, Liberty Business, GraceKennedy, A Peart Advisory Services, AYS Global Consulting, Wisynco, Citibank, Phase Three, ATL Automotive/Audi Jamaica, Intelligent Media Limited, Tru Juice, Calico Jack, whose partnership and commitment to excellence helped bring the 40th Anniversary Gala to life.
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