A STATEMENT FROM JHR CHAIRMAN IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE MELISSA

1 November 2025

Dear friends and lovers of Jamaica 

I am writing this in the aftermath of the devastation hurricane Melissa wrought on the island, particularly its western parishes, though few areas remain undamaged. The devastation is truly horrific, both in terms of shattered lives and shattered buildings, and we are still discovering the true extent of the damage and destruction.

Of course, the immediate focus must be on supporting and protecting all those affected by the hurricane and providing shelter, succour and supplies for them. Also key will be the reinstatement of the island’s infrastructure, its roads and services. There are a number of funds which have been set up to provide this help. 

In Britain, the Jamaican High Commission have forwarded a government link which can be found at https://supportjamaica.gov.jm.

The American Friends of Jamaica have also established a fund where a donor has offered to match funds up to US$1 million; see https://theafj.org/. We know and trust AFJ and are confident that donations will be well spent.

The Red Cross and the Moravian Church are running appeals: 
https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/hurricane-melissa-emergency; and http://www.moravian.org.uk/hurricane-melissa-appeal. 
Also, ShelterBox https://shelterbox.org/where-we-work/hurricane-melissa/, Food for the Poor https://www.foodforthepoorja.org/, and Global Empowerment Mission https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/.

Beyond this, JHR will hope to work with others in carrying out a full survey of all the built fabric that has been affected. And we can then explore the works of repair and reinstatement required and how they might be funded and carried out.

We would welcome any thoughts or suggestions for ways in which Jamaica Heritage Renewal might best provide assistance.

Peregrine Bryant
Chair, Jamaican Heritage Renewal

A VANISHING LEGACY

This film by Irina Bruce explores the built legacy of Jamaica’s plantation era.