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Jamaicans in the US and Friends of the Island Donate Hurricane Relief Supplies

By: , November 15, 2025
Jamaicans in the US and Friends of the Island Donate Hurricane Relief Supplies
Photo: Derrick Scott
Southwest Airlines cargo representative pack relief supplies for shipment to Jamaica at the Baltimore International Airport in the United States (US). The shipment, which consists of supplies for persons severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, arrived in the island on November 8. The items were donated by Jamaicans in the US and friends of the island.
Jamaicans in the US and Friends of the Island Donate Hurricane Relief Supplies
Photo: Derrick Scott
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States (US), His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, organises boxes containing relief supplies at the Embassy of Jamaica’s main sorting hub at the Silver Spring Civic Building, Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, recently. The first shipment of relief supplies, donated by Jamaicans in the US and friends of Jamaica, was shipped to the island via Southwest Airlines on November 8.
Jamaicans in the US and Friends of the Island Donate Hurricane Relief Supplies
Photo: Derrick Scott
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States (US), His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (second right, foreground), joins volunteers in packing relief supplies at the Embassy of Jamaica’s main sorting hub at the Silver Spring Civic Building, Veterans Plaza, in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. The first shipment of relief supplies, donated by Jamaicans in the US and friends of Jamaica, was shipped to the island via Southwest Airlines on November 8.

The Full Story

Jamaicans in the United States (US) and friends of the island have contributed relief supplies valued at approximately US$30,000 to the island.

The items, to benefit residents severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, were transported to the island via Southwest Airlines on November 8.

The donation was a collaborative effort involving the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC, the Montgomery County Council, Southwest Airlines and members of the Jamaican diaspora across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV).

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States (US), His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (second right) along with (from left) Community Relations Officer at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC, Emile Wallace-Waddell (left), hand over relief supplies to Southwest Airlines representatives Joe Lastner (second left) and David Richardson, at the cargo department at the Baltimore International Airport. The first shipment of relief supplies, donated by Jamaicans in the US and friends of Jamaica, was shipped to the island via Southwest Airlines on November 8.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, commended Southwest Airlines and the Montgomery County Council for their partnership, and praised the spirit of unity demonstrated by the Jamaican community and friends of Jamaica across the US.

“This shipment consists of supplies for those severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The Government and people of Jamaica are deeply grateful for the support and interest shown by the diaspora and the wider American community,” Ambassador Anderson said.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone, who contributed to the relief effort, noting that each donation, whether large or small, represents an act of solidarity and compassion that continues to strengthen the ties between Jamaica and its global family.

The Ambassador noted that coordination was led by the Embassy with the assistance of more than 40 volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful dispatch of the supplies. Volunteers included students from Howard University, Georgetown University, the University of the District of Columbia, members of the RalRosa Foundation, compatriots from the Caribbean, other friends of Jamaica and members of the diaspora.

Ambassador Anderson noted that the shipment was the first of several planned for the island, and urged persons to continue to support Jamaica’s relief and recovery efforts.

“There are 18 drop-off locations in the DMV, with the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, serving as the main sorting hub,” he informed.

More than 100 additional drop-off locations remain open across the US, and individuals are encouraged to continue supporting the relief effort. Coordination is ongoing to maintain the flow of shipments.

Last Updated: November 17, 2025