Bahamas firm donates $16m to Sygnus relief initiative

Sygnus has launched its Hurricane Relief and Rebuild Initiative, committing over $16 million toward a $60 million target to support recovery in communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

The effort has already raised $32 million, boosted by a $16 million donation a by Bahamas Striping Group of Companies.

Atario Mitchell, president of Bahamas Striping Group of Companies, said the decision to support Jamaica was personal and symbolic, given the bond between the two nations and the company’s history of investment from Jamaican partners like Sygnus.

“From the very beginning, Jamaicans believed in us; they invested in our growth and in our dream,” Mitchell said. “When we saw the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, standing aside was not an option. This contribution is our way of saying thank you and standing in solidarity. Whether Bahamian or Jamaican, we are one people, united by shared hope and a vision for a stronger Caribbean.”

The initiative will direct 30 per cent of funds toward immediate relief, including food, clean water, solar lighting, hygiene kits, medical supplies and agricultural inputs. The remaining 70 per cent will support rebuilding and resilience projects across key sectors.

Berisford Grey, president and chief executive of Sygnus Capital, said the programme reflects the company’s belief that recovery must be paired with sustainability.

“The damage left by Hurricane Melissa has tested the strength of our communities, but it has also reminded us of our collective power to rebuild better,” Grey said. “This initiative is about more than restoring what was lost. It’s about creating systems that will endure, powering schools and hospitals with renewable energy, revitalising agriculture with modern tools, and ensuring that our families and communities not only recover but also thrive, building a stronger, more resilient foundation.”