The Jamaican Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) has pledged to deliver at least 1,000 care packages two to three times per week to communities recovering from Hurricane Melissa.
In partnership with the Chinese Community of Jamaica, the CBA said the initiative is aimed at rebuilding and strengthening resilience.
“Our mission is not only to provide relief to the parishes most impacted by Hurricane Melissa, but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jamaica in the long journey of recovery – to rebuild a stronger, more beautiful nation and reinforce the bonds that unite us as Jamaicans,” CBA president Vincent Chang and vice-president Johnny Huang said in a joint statement.
The group has already distributed packages at Lacovia Primary School in St Elizabeth, which is serving as a government shelter. A doctor accompanied the team to provide basic healthcare support during the first visit on November 3.
Since then, the programme has expanded to several parishes. Packages have been delivered in Trelawny, including Stewart Town, Jackson Town and Hyde; and in St Ann communities such as New Banks, Windsor Property, Seaview Heights and Top Road. Supplies also reached Westmoreland, including Cave, Water Works and Whithorn.
Savanna-la-Mar Hospital received a special donation of packages for men, women and children, along with bottled water, rubbing alcohol, surgical masks, blankets, pillows and clothing. The team later distributed packages in Sherwood, Kinloss and Duanvale in Trelawny, as well as the Falmouth Hospital. Relief also extended to St James, including Guava Walk, Catherine Hall and Moy Hall.
Each package contains bottled water and juices; non-perishable food items; toiletries such as tissue, toothpaste and soap, laundry powder, baby diaper, wet wipes, sanitary napkins; and blankets, the group said. (Jamaica Gleaner)
