Jamaica, Rise: A Community Comes Together After Hurricane Melissa
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — On Saturday, December 6, Aventa Jamaica Limited led a heartfelt medical outreach themed “Jamaica, Rise,” in collaboration with the Sizzla Youth Foundation and the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association. This initiative came as a beacon of hope for the residents of Belmont, a community severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm, wreaked havoc across Westmoreland, causing extensive flooding, structural damage, and prolonged power outages. Many families found themselves without access to basic healthcare and essential services. In response, Aventa Jamaica mobilized a dedicated team of volunteer medical professionals, including psychiatrists, opticians, general practitioners, and registered nurses, to provide much-needed support.
From 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, the outreach offered a holistic approach to healthcare. Residents received vital health screenings, including blood pressure and blood glucose tests, eye examinations, and consultations with doctors and mental health professionals. While waiting for their turn, community members enjoyed cultural performances, dancing, and games. Children were especially delighted by bounce-a-bout rides and treats like snow cones and popcorn, bringing moments of joy after weeks of hardship.
Glenise Durrant, CEO of Aventa Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Sizzla Youth Foundation and the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association. “This initiative is a meaningful contribution to the impacted communities,” she said. “Their access to health has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, and we are here to help.”
A unique aspect of the outreach was its focus on emotional healing. Dr. Amina Blackwood-Meeks, a renowned cultural advocate and storyteller, led interactive sessions aimed at fostering resilience among community members, especially children. “It’s my honour to support the emotional well-being of the community,” she shared. “This mission is about resilience. We’re not giving up; we’re going to build back stronger.”
Miguel “Sizzla Kalonji” Collins, founder of the Sizzla Youth Foundation, emphasized the importance of unity during this challenging time. “We’re here to lift spirits and inspire the people of Jamaica,” he said. “One for all, all for one. When we work together, there shall be no failure. This is the time to care and share.”
As the day wrapped up, over 350 care packages were distributed to residents, providing further support to households still recovering from the storm’s impact.
The “Jamaica, Rise” Medical Mission is part of Aventa Jamaica’s broader response to Hurricane Melissa, which includes multi-parish relief deployments and sustained support for healthcare providers across the island. The company remains committed to standing with affected communities as they heal and rebuild.
In a time of adversity, the spirit of community shines brightly. How can we continue to uplift each other as we navigate the road to recovery?