One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica last week and left devastation in its wake. At its peak, the Category 5 storm produced winds of 185 miles per hour. After striking Jamaica, the storm continued its path north and made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3, with winds reaching up to 120 miles per hour and causing extreme rainfall. Although Haiti was not directly hit, it experienced torrential rains over several days, resulting in disastrous flooding. The Bahamas was also impacted as the system weakened to a Category 1 storm.
A week after Hurricane Melissa’s fury, officials are beginning to assess the extent of the damage. Early estimates from AccuWeather list damages across the Caribbean to total between $48 billion and $52 billion.
“The scale of destruction is unlike anything we have seen in decades,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on social media November 3, after surveying some of the hardest-hit areas, primarily in Jamaica’s southwest portion.
Keep reading below to learn how you can help those affected by the storm and assist in vital rebuilding efforts.
Helping the Hospitality Industry
Hotels across the island quickly stepped up during the crisis, serving as makeshift shelters for approximately 25,000 stranded tourists. Tourism is one of the island’s primary economic sectors, employing around 175,000 people. But after the hurricane, some of these individuals may be left without a source of income as impacted properties get back on their feet. The government aims to recover in some capacity by December 15, the start of the peak tourism season.
Ahead of the storm, on October 26, the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Round Hill and Villas shared a statement on Instagram: “Jamaica is more than just a location for us; it is our home. The people in the path of this storm are our dedicated team members, neighbors, friends, and family. Our resort management and staff have extensive experience, training, and are fully prepared for the hurricane’s arrival and the recovery that follows.”
Fortunately for the resilient resort, it only sustained cosmetic damage and plans to reopen to guests on December 8. Following an outpouring of support, the resort announced the creation of an employee relief fund through Hanover Charities. If you’d like to donate, be sure to add “Round Hill Employee Relief” in the comments section as you check out.
Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the company that manages both the Four-Star Half Moon and the Four-Star Eclipse at Half Moon, announced a partnership with the non-profit Mission of Sight to create a fund for its 800 dedicated team members, many of whom suffered damage to their homes. You can lend support here. The properties will have a phased reopening, starting with Eclipse at Half Moon and the recently renovated Villas at Half Moon on Dec. 15. For more reopening details, check here for updates.
Adam Stewart, the executive chairman of Sandals Resorts, said on LinkedIn that the Sandals Foundation had mobilized to offer immediate assistance to Jamaica’s most vulnerable communities following the storm, with 100 percent of donations directly funding relief and rebuilding initiatives. To learn about the foundation’s impact and to contribute to efforts, visit sandalsfoundation.org.
Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril will welcome guests on December 6. The brand’s three remaining Jamaican resorts (Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals South Coast) suffered more extensive damage and plan to reopen following repairs on May 30.
And, of course, the best way to help with Jamaica’s recovery is with your travel dollars. By choosing Half Moon, Round Hill and Villas or any of the other local resorts for your upcoming winter or spring vacation, you’re not only promising yourself a great break but you’re actively supporting those most affected.
Aiding In Other Ways
World Central Kitchen: Chef José Andrés’ team is working with local partners to provide meals to displaced families.
Footprint Project: Donations support providing local first responders and communities with portable solar and battery power stations.
Mercy Chefs: The organization, created following Hurricane Katrina, is delivering professionally prepared meals to victims, volunteers and first responders in Jamaica and Cuba.
Hurricane Melissa Relief: Donations to the Jamaican government’s official site will assist in providing food, shelter and medical aid.
The American Red Cross: Supporting the Disaster Relief fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, relief supplies and health services to those in need of urgent assistance.
I Love Jamaica Concert Series: The government announced a global series of concerts that will raise money for the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund. It will include a telethon and virtual concert on November 16, broadcast from Kingston’s CPTC studios featuring performers like Chris Martin and Masicka. Plans are underway for concerts in London, South Florida, New York, Los Angeles and D.C. as well.
