Jamaican Embassy and Diaspora Partner with Southwest Airlines to Deliver Hurricane Relief Supplies

Hurricane relief supplies valued at approximately US$30,000 were shipped to Jamaica on Saturday, November 8, through a collaborative effort between the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., the Montgomery County Council, Southwest Airlines and members of the Jamaican diaspora across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.

Southwest Airline cargo representative pack relief supplies on southwest flight to be ship to Jamaica at the Baltimore International airport. shipment consists of supplies for those severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The supplies were made through collaborative effort between the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., the Montgomery County Council, Southwest Airlines and members of the Jamaican diaspora across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.The shipment, consisting of critical supplies for residents severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, was transported to the island via Southwest Airlines, which departed from Baltimore/Washington International Airport bound for the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, who was on hand to witness the first of several planned shipments, commended Southwest Airlines and the Montgomery County Council for its partnership and praised the spirit of unity demonstrated by the Jamaican community and friends of Jamaica across the United States.

“This shipment consists of supplies for those severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The Government and people of Jamaica are deeply grateful for the support and interest shown by the diaspora and the wider American community,” Ambassador Anderson stated.

Ambassador Anderson also expressed heartfelt appreciation to all Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica who contributed to the relief effort, noting that each donation, whether large or small, represents an act of solidarity and compassion that continues to strengthen the ties between Jamaica and its global family.

Donations from Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica throughout the DMV area contributed to this first shipment. The Ambassador noted that coordination was led by the Embassy with the assistance of more than 40 volunteers, who worked tirelessly through the weekend to ensure the successful dispatch of the supplies. Volunteers included students from Howard University, Georgetown University, the University of D.C., members of the RalRosa Foundation, compatriots from the Caribbean, other friends of Jamaica and members of the diaspora.

“There are 18 drop-off locations in the DMV, with the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, serving as the main sorting hub,” he explained.

More than 100 additional drop-off locations remain open across the United States, and individuals are encouraged to continue supporting the relief effort. Coordination is ongoing to maintain the flow of shipments, with the next consignment expected later this week.