Ambassador Anderson Thanks Diaspora for US$170,000 Relief Effort Supporting Jamaica’s Hurricane Recovery
By: , December 27, 2025
Photo: Derrick Scott
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson (left), President and Chief Executive Officer of EMD Sales International, Elda Devaré (fourth right), and volunteer, Natasha Forrest (second right), proudly display the Jamaican flag before the 40‑foot container of essential supplies bound for the island in support of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. Looking on are members of staff from the Embassy of Jamaica and EMD Sales at the company’s Baltimore warehouse in Maryland.
Photo: Derrick Scott
Relief supplies coordinated by members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States, in support of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.
Photo: Derrick Scott
Operations Coordinator at EMD Sales International in Baltimore, Maryland, Kevin Maguire, prepares a 40‑foot container of essential supplies bound for Jamaica in support of Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, at the company’s warehouse.The Full Story
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States (US), His Excellency Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Diaspora partnership in the US facilitating a shipment of critical relief supplies to residents of communities in parishes devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
Jamaicans living in the US, along with friends of the island, mobilised to send supplies valued approximately US$170,000, which were shipped in a 40‑foot container that departed the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, on December 11, bound for Kingston.
The successful coordination of this relief effort involved the tireless work of more than 70 volunteers, who ensured the proper collection, organisation, and dispatch of supplies.
The volunteer corps included students from Howard University, Georgetown University, and the University of the District of Columbia, along with members of the RalRosa Foundation, Baltimore Church of God, compatriots from across the Caribbean, and numerous friends of Jamaica from the wider American community.
The container and all associated shipping costs were generously covered by Dennis Shipping.
This shipment reflected a coordinated effort led by the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., in partnership with EMD Sales International and members of the Jamaican Diaspora across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.
It followed five consignments facilitated by Southwest Airlines, which collectively delivered 2.5 tons of relief items valued US$87,000, demonstrating the capacity of Diaspora communities to mobilise swiftly and effectively in response to humanitarian needs.
Ambassador Anderson commended Dennis Shipping, EMD Sales, the Montgomery County Council, the Silver Spring Civic Centre, the volunteer corps, members of the wider Diaspora and friends of the island for their instrumental roles in the relief initiative.
He highlighted the exemplary spirit of unity demonstrated throughout the process, noting that the collaboration embodied the finest traditions of Caribbean solidarity and international friendship.
Ambassador Anderson noted that such gestures of support underscore the resilience of the Jamaican spirit and affirm the unwavering commitment of Diaspora communities to their homeland in times of crisis.
“The Government and people of Jamaica are deeply grateful for the support and interest shown by the Diaspora and the wider American community,” he stated.
Ambassador Anderson emphasised that every contribution, regardless of size, is an act of solidarity and compassion that strengthens the enduring connection between Jamaica and its extended family across the globe.
He urged individuals and organisations to continue supporting Jamaica’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts as the island works to rebuild communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Those wishing to contribute to future relief shipments or support Jamaica’s recovery efforts are encouraged to visit the Government’s official relief portal at www.supportjamaica.gov.jm.
