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Mandeville, Jamaica…Nigel Coke

Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the Island on October 28, 2025, Adventist-Layperson’s Services and Industries (ASi) Inter-America has extended its support to Jamaica and the well-being of those negatively impacted.

In addition to donating water and collaborating with other projects, the chapter has now focused its attention on mobilizing its members in the Caribbean and beyond.

“We have mobilized our chapters in the various countries in the Caribbean region where we are represented to collect relief supplies to be sent to Jamaica in the coming weeks,” said Mr. Rohan Riley, President of ASi Inter-America.

“We have a robust network of ASi members across over 30 countries in the region, and their response to the appeal has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to supplies, each chapter has been asked to commit a financial contribution to the effort.”

[caption id="attachment_13411" align="alignnone" width="200"] Mr. Rohan Riley, president of ASi-Inter America[/caption]

Housing Solution

The Chapter is collaborating with ADRA in the Cayman Islands and donors to provide suitable housing solutions, ensuring that individuals can recover and recover better.

“In the Cayman Islands, we are working with ADRA Cayman to have the plane pick up and deliver their first shipment next week (depending on how soon the permits are ready). ASi Tobago has also done collections, and we hope to schedule their pickup for the following week. In the Bahamas, the ASi chapter is in the process of loading a container for dispatch.”

[caption id="attachment_13412" align="alignnone" width="300"] Missionary pilot and ASI North American Division member Jeffrey Sutton loads relief supplies, onto his aircraft before departing the Cayman Islands.[/caption] “Also, we have been put in touch with a source for containerized houses, which can be delivered to Jamaica for approximately US$7,000.00 for a 2-bedroom unit. These units are already equipped with electrical and plumbing fixtures and fittings, as well as showers, basins, and other amenities. All that's needed is to hook up to the water and power supply. Next week, we will be presenting this to a potential donor, as we are hoping to have some of these purchased and sent to Jamaica.” “ASi is committed to doing all we can to support the relief effort in Jamaica. We have been deeply moved by the devastation that we have seen, and we have called upon our members in over 40 countries of the Division to rally to this cause.” The ASi Inter-America operates through the ASi Jamaica Union chapter, led by Cecil Foster, and distributes their supplies through the GSI Foundation.

“We have been collaborating with Dr. Balvin Braham, Vice President, Inter-American Division, who is in charge of their relief efforts. He has been instrumental in helping us with the collaboration with Moses International and Adventist World Aviation in getting two small aircraft, which arrived with supplies of Starlink, generators, and other needed equipment. The ASi Jamaica Union chapter was able to assist with securing the permits,” explained Riley.

[caption id="attachment_13413" align="alignnone" width="540"] Relief supplies prepared for air transport from the Cayman Islands await loading onto a mission aircraft operated by Jeffrey Sutton, ASI North American Division member and Moses International pilot.[/caption]

“The ASi Inter-America, in partnership with the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and the ASi Jamaica Union, joins forces to provide relief to those who are greatly affected by Hurricane Melissa,” said Mr. Cecil Foster, President of ASi Jamaica Union. “We are arranging many more trips and many more products that will be distributed across the country. I look forward to continuing to share Christ in the marketplace.”

[caption id="attachment_13417" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cecil Foster, president ASi Jamaica Union[/caption]

"On a personal note, my parents have since died, but I still have siblings and cousins in Jamaica. I think I have watched every one of the YouTube videos multiple times. It is truly heartbreaking to see the devastation and human suffering. I am committed to utilizing every influence, every connection, and every available resource to support this relief effort. We have activated our own family relief activities where those of us abroad pool into a fund which is being used to effect repairs in Jamaica at this moment," added Riley.

[caption id="attachment_13414" align="alignnone" width="1008"] A van packed with relief supplies consigned to GSI for Northern Caribbean University (NCU) prepares for transport. The items form part of a coordinated humanitarian response to support communities affected by recent Hurricane Melissa.[/caption]