On Thursday 11 November, I was honoured to host a powerful community gathering at St Laurence Church in Catford, bringing together members of our local Jamaican diaspora to discuss Hurricane Melissa and how we can support Jamaica’s recovery.
It was inspiring to hear from His Excellency Alexander Williams (Jamaican High Commissioner), Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres, and so many local residents who shared how this disaster has affected their families back home.
The Government has provided immediate financial support, deployed relief supplies and technical experts, delivered emergency supplies (shelter kits, water filters, blankets), set up an FCDO Crisis Centre for consular support, and arranged charter flights for British nationals and dual citizens.
I’ve been raising this in Parliament, meeting with the Foreign Secretary and raising it at Prime Minister’s Questions. I will continue to campaign to keep Jamaica’s recovery on the Government’s agenda.
Britain has both a historical responsibility and a current interest in ensuring Jamaica rebuilds quickly. I share your vision of a strong, prosperous and independent Jamaica.
We must also acknowledge that the Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS) found that Hurricane Melissa was unlikely to have happened without climate change. Countries like Jamaica are on the frontline of the climate crisis, and Britain must lead on climate action.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
💰 DONATE MONEY (preferred by the Jamaican Government to support local businesses):
👉 https://supportjamaica.gov.jm
📦 DONATE GOODS:
Rastafari Movement UK & Nxt Steps 4 Communities Collection Drive
📍 The I and I Food & Wellbeing Centre, 103 Boundfield Road, SE6 1PF
🗓️ Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
🕐 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The passion and solidarity I witnessed was extraordinary. Together, we will ensure Jamaica gets the support it needs, both now and for the long road to recovery ahead.