By Nigel Coke | Mandeville, Jamaica
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Jamaica, the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been actively responding to the needs of Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Mellissa, which swept through the western parishes, leaving behind loss of life and widespread destruction.
Before the hurricane made landfall, ADRA Jamaica activated its National Emergency Management Plan and began distributing food packages to vulnerable communities in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.
“We had our emergency plan approved before the hurricane approached Jamaica,” explained Pastor Wenford Henry, Director of ADRA Jamaica. “When we saw the predicted path, we identified Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth as our initial response areas. We were able to order and prepare approximately 800 food packages in advance, recognizing that people would have immediate needs during and right after the storm.”
Following the passage of the hurricane, ADRA teams and volunteers were immediately mobilized, delivering hot meals and soups with near-daily consistency to residents in heavily impacted areas such as Black River, Middle Quarters, and Lacovia.
On Tuesday, November 4, a team of three ADRA International leaders, who arrived on the island on Friday, October 31, partnered with ADRA Jamaica and the Youth Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for a “Yes with ADRA” volunteer training session at Victor Dixon High School in Mandeville.
More than one hundred volunteers participated in the training and subsequently engaged in data collection and community clean-up activities in Lacovia and other sections of St. Elizabeth on November 5. The findings from these assessments will guide the next phase of food distribution and recovery support.
“The blend between local and international experience added real value to the training,” shared Anthia Adderley, one of the participants. “It was well organized, interactive, and essential, especially for those who have never experienced a disaster like this before.”
Pastor Henry expressed heartfelt assurance to the affected communities, emphasizing ADRA’s long-term commitment to their recovery.
“We are encouraging those who have been impacted by the hurricane that we will not leave you,” he affirmed. “We will be here to support you until your life is rebuilt stronger and better than before. Our partners overseas are gathering resources, and members of the Jamaican diaspora have reached out to offer assistance. Be hopeful. ADRA Jamaica will continue to stand by your side.”
Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, commended ADRA Jamaica’s swift action and reaffirmed the church’s dedication to serving the nation alongside other humanitarian partners.
“We are grateful for ADRA Jamaica’s timely response as we join the Government, NGOs, and other faith-based organizations in alleviating the hardships many citizens are now facing,” Pastor Brown said.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Jamaica operates as part of the global ADRA network spanning 130 countries, providing humanitarian assistance and promoting sustainable development across Jamaica. Its mission is to demonstrate the love of God through acts of compassion and service that empower individuals and communities to thrive.
For more details on how you can donate or volunteer, visit www.jmunion.org.
