In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a growing alliance between public officials and private stakeholders is helping to fast-track recovery efforts across southern Jamaica. Government senators Abka Fitz-Henley and Christian Tavares-Finson, during a recent visit to St. Elizabeth, emphasized the critical role private citizens and businesses must play in complementing the state’s formal relief infrastructure.
Armed with two truckloads of building materials—cement, zinc sheets, tarpaulin, nails, and water—the senators visited hard-hit districts including Black River, Springvale, and Middle Quarters to distribute supplies directly to displaced residents. The provisions, sourced entirely through private donations, reflect a broader call for civic mobilization.
“The response from ordinary citizens and private enterprise has been humbling,” said Senator Fitz-Henley, who serves in the Office of the Prime Minister. “What we’re witnessing on the ground is not just need—it’s urgency. Many families have no roof over their heads, and every donated nail or sheet of zinc makes a difference.”
The effort comes as the government unveils a national housing response strategy through the National Housing Trust (NHT), which will see the rollout of 5,000 pre-fabricated container homes. These units, selected for their modularity and speed of deployment, are expected to provide a temporary yet structured solution to the acute housing shortage following the hurricane’s impact.
Senator Tavares-Finson praised the leadership of individuals in the business community, particularly highlighting the contribution of entrepreneur Kevin Frith. “Kevin personally donated dozens of cement bags and roofing materials from his own inventory. That kind of example is what we need more of right now,” he noted. “In many affected communities, the timber structures are still intact, but the roofs are gone. Zinc is an immediate fix—critical until more permanent disaster-resilient structures are put in place.”
This visit follows a broader outreach initiative led by both senators, who recently distributed thousands of care packages across western and southern Jamaica. But the focus has now shifted from food and water to long-term shelter reconstruction.
“The pivot we’ve seen is from basic relief to building supplies,” Fitz-Henley added. “People are now asking for nails, plywood, cement—because they’re determined to rebuild, and they’re not waiting on anyone.”
While the full scale of rebuilding remains daunting, the senators expressed confidence that with continued collaboration between government, private enterprise, and local communities, Jamaica can emerge stronger from the crisis.
“We are in a defining moment,” said Tavares-Finson. “The speed at which we respond—together—will determine how quickly we can restore dignity and stability to families across the island.”
