MLSS Conducts Massive Post–Hurricane Melissa Relief Operations: Thousands of Families Reached Across Worst Affected Parishes

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is putting all its resources into the execution of a massive post – Hurricane Melissa relief operation. On Saturday, November 1, the Ministry intensified its relief operations across St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny, delivering vital support to thousands of families in need. These efforts build on the ongoing relief activities that have been underway since Wednesday, ensuring that help continues to reach those hardest hit.

Today’s operation followed an emergency strategy meeting held at the Ministry’s office yesterday, under the leadership of the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, JP, Minister of Labour and Social Security, who convened and chaired to coordinate the national response. The high-level session included participation from the Honourable Olivia Grange, CD, MP, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport; Senator the Honourable Ambassador Audrey Marks, OJ, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister; Senator Keith Duncan; and Mrs. Dione Jennings, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Also participating were senior representatives from key response partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Red Cross, Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), Food for the Poor (FFP), Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ).

Together, these partners are implementing a coordinated operation to deliver food, water, shelter materials, and emergency supplies to the hardest-hit households across the country, a strong demonstration of unity and efficiency in service to the Jamaican people.

Relief Delivery and Coordination
The joint distribution teams comprising MLSS officers, ODPEM representatives, and parish disaster coordinators, supported by the JDF, JCF, and community volunteers, executed deliveries at the community level, ensuring no area was left unattended.

To date, over 10,000 food packages, representing donations from the Ministry, World Food Programme and Food for the Poor, have been delivered, exceeding the initial target of 5,000 packages across the five worst hit parishes. The figure includes 2,000 large emergency family packages for shelters and vulnerable communities, provided by the World Food Programme. The JDF is also executing targeted airdrops of food supplies to communities inaccessible by road, supported by security escorts from MOCA to ensure the safe transfer of high-value consignments.

The relief efforts are being supported by Wisynco, which has committed provision of 100 truckloads of bottled water, and the JPS Foundation which is mobilizing mobile charging stations to facilitate communication in electricity-deprived communities. The Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) is coordinating efforts and providing temporary accommodation and support for displaced families.

In addition to the supplies being distributed to shelters and households, the WFP and ODPEM have deployed six mobile storage units, with additional units en route from Dutch and French missions, to serve as staging points for large-scale relief distribution.

On Sunday, November 2, World Central Kitchen in collaboration with other restaurants and Juici Patties, is expected to facilitate delivery of hot meals distributions in sections of St. Elizabeth and St. James.

Expanded Reach Through Strategic Partnerships
The relief efforts are being supported as an all-of government response, with strong support from the private sector as well as national and international development partners. From its logistics hubs at Up Park Camp and ODPEM’s central warehouse, the JDF and ODPEM are coordinating the processing and dispatch of relief supplies including, tarpaulins, and shelter materials. A single national database developed by World Food Programme, managed by ODPEM tracks all donations and consignments to ensure transparent distribution through parish disaster coordinators. Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is leading the establishment of a National Volunteer Registry, coordinating the work of over 6,000 volunteers through the Council for Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) and the Adventist Disaster Relief Agency (ADRA). This is to ensure that civic, NGO, and faith-based initiatives are aligned under a unified national response framework.

Leaving No One Behind
The Ministry has also activated an “I Am Safe” mechanism, to allow communities to report and confirm the safety of residents previously listed as missing.

Minister Charles praised the collective effort, stating: “This effort reflects the very best of Jamaica – Government, civil society, and international partners working hand in hand to ensure that every family, every household, and every community is supported. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security remains steadfast in its commitment to leave no one behind.”

Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Dione Jennings commended the field teams and partners for their extraordinary dedication, noting that many MLSS officers continue their work despite being personally affected by the hurricane.

“Their resilience and compassion embody what it means to serve the people of Jamaica. We are deeply proud of our teams across the island,” Mrs. Jennings said.

Next Steps
As the emergency relief operations continue, the MLSS will continue to conduct household damage assessments through the Public Assistance Department and the network of partner agencies, ensuring that households in need receive sustained support during recovery.

In the meantime, the Ministry is encouraging all organizations and individuals wishing to make donations to channel these through ODPEM, to ensure a coordinated and equitable distribution, and to protect the safety of donors. Persons offering their services as volunteers are strongly urged to make contact with the CVSS.