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Shipping industry teams unite to support communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Published:Tuesday | November 18, 2025 | 12:06 AM
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Relief supplies packed by employees of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, SAJE Group, ADVANTUM and the Caribbean Shipping Association for distribution to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The donations, including food, clothing and hygiene items
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Relief supplies packed by employees of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, SAJE Group, ADVANTUM and the Caribbean Shipping Association for distribution to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The donations, including food, clothing and hygiene items, were funded and assembled by staff as part of the maritime sector’s ongoing support for national recovery efforts.
Sonya Hall, administrative and training coordinator at the Caribbean Shipping Association, distributes relief supplies to residents in communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa as part of the maritime sector’s continued support for national recovery effo
Sonya Hall, administrative and training coordinator at the Caribbean Shipping Association, distributes relief supplies to residents in communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa as part of the maritime sector’s continued support for national recovery efforts.
Relief supplies bound for Jamaica are loaded onto a LATAM Cargo aircraft in Panama, coordinated by Kuehne + Nagel and the Red Cross to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Kuehne + Nagel is represented in Jamaica by local agent R.S. Gamble L
Relief supplies bound for Jamaica are loaded onto a LATAM Cargo aircraft in Panama, coordinated by Kuehne + Nagel and the Red Cross to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Kuehne + Nagel is represented in Jamaica by local agent R.S. Gamble Ltd.
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EMPLOYEES FROM the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), SAJE Group, ADVANTUM, and the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) joined forces on Sunday, November 9, to deliver relief supplies to communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

The Category 5 hurricane made landfall on October 28, leaving a trail of devastation across the island, with Western Jamaica suffering the most severe impact. In response, a combined team of 11 staff members travelled to Westmoreland, St James, and Trelawny, distributing food items, hygiene products, clothing and other essential supplies to families still grappling with widespread loss and disruption.

The initiative, led by SAJ General Manager Terrence Brooks, emerged from internal discussions about how best to support the recovery effort. Staff across the organisations agreed to pool their personal funds, purchase relief supplies, and volunteer their time to pack and distribute the items.

Brooks said the response demonstrated the strong sense of purpose within the maritime community. “When I asked the wider team how they wanted to support the recovery, the answer was unified,” he said. “I am heartened by their dedication to not only pool their resources, but to commit their time to visit the communities and deliver the items. Their compassion and teamwork reflect the best of who we are as a maritime family.”

The effort complements broader support being provided by SAJ member companies islandwide, underscoring the sector’s ongoing commitment to national recovery. As an added show of support, the SAJ is matching the financial donation made by the staff to further strengthen the team’s efforts.

As Jamaica moves through the long process of rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa, the SAJ and its partner entities reaffirm their dedication to supporting communities with unity, empathy and action.