Janet Richards Foundation, DunnCox unite to support Farm Heights with much-needed supplies
Published:Tuesday | December 16, 2025 | 12:08 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Residents of Farm Heights in St James last Thursday got a major boost in their bid to rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, thanks to the supplies they received from the Janet Richards Foundation and the Kingston-based law firm DunnCox.
The two groups jointly distributed over 200 bags of food and toiletries, alongside bundles of zinc sheets, lumber, and tools to support the renovation efforts of 10 residents whose homes were damaged during the passage of the Category 5 hurricane. One resident received a full home renovation.
Daphne Haye, one of the Farm Heights residents who received roofing materials, said the donation was critically needed as part of her home was leaking during and after Hurricane Melissa.
“I am giving thanks to DunnCox law firm and the Janet Richards Foundation for the bundle of materials we got. One section of my house was leaking through the storm, and because of what I received from the two groups, it stopped the wetting of my house. I am very grateful and thankful, and God bless all of you,” said a grateful Haye.
Kadian Brown, principal of Farm Heights United Basic School, was quite appreciative of the donations to the community, some of which went to her staff members and the families of students.
“Farm Heights United Basic School wishes to sincerely thank the Janet Richards Foundation and the DunnCox law firm for donating care packages to 20 of our parents who were affected by Hurricane Melissa, as well as to all six members of our staff. These care packages were very timely, as the hurricane has caused many of our parents to be temporarily out of work, and we truly appreciate this kind and thoughtful gesture,” said Brown.
The donation, the latest in an ongoing series of outreach and restoration events across St James, was generally welcomed as the parish was one of the hardest hit in western Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa created havoc. Several communities remain without electricity and water supply.
Emile Leiba, managing partner of DunnCox and president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, said the law firm’s representatives saw it necessary to go out in the community and give assistance, in keeping with the firm’s mandate to help others personally.
“As a firm that is over 80 years old, we have always believed that if we are blessed, we must share some blessings. It is very true that you can write a cheque, but it is really important to be a part of the solution,” said Leiba.
“While our physical office is in Kingston, our spirits are equally with Montego Bay. We are here and we are part of the community, and we thank all our partners and members of staff who have come out in solidarity to give support,” added Leiba.
Janet Richards, the founder of the Janet Richards Foundation, thanked DunnCox and the members of her own group who came out to assist Farm Heights.
“We really want to thank you for the effort you put forth this day, because DunnCox law firm has a heart for Farm Heights. This is no ordinary thing, and I really want to say thank you, for the community, for coming out. Plus, I really want to thank my support team as well,” said Richards. “To the community persons, you know I love you, and Farm Heights is nice, but we just need to get together a little bit more and do the things we love together.”