By Lisaluvslove
Jamaica is a small island. It barely registers geographically on a map. Yet its cultural, historical, and creative fingerprints are everywhere. The world has taken and enjoyed the soul of Jamaica for generations. Now, after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating landfall, it is time to give back.
Jamaica’s gifts the world enjoys
Jamaica helped shape the sound system foundation that pushed Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Reggaeton and global pop forward.
Icons like Usain Bolt and Bob Marley became global symbols of power, pride, and possibility.
Yet Jamaica has often been reduced to caricatures in movies, sports talk, and media tropes. People continue to benefit from Jamaican style, language, culture, tourism, and the creative economy.
Hurricane Melissa: The crisis and the opportunity
According to the Associated Press, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with wind speeds nearly 185 miles per hour. Homes, hospitals, farms, and schools were destroyed.
Reuters reports that areas of Saint Elizabeth parish are under water, with local officials describing catastrophic destruction.
At the same time, the Washington Post reported that United States military ships and personnel were already stationed in the Caribbean for a separate mission. This raised serious questions about whether these assets would be redirected to provide relief for Jamaica.
If the world values Jamaica’s contributions, it must also value its struggle.
Corporate Call to Action
Cruise companies including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line have long made money by delivering people to the Caribbean. They profit from the joy, nature, and culture of Jamaica. Now they must respond. ABC news has reported that Carnival cruise lines in connection with the Miami Heat will donate close to $1million. Cruise Lines’ specific impact can be more hands-on. Ships can serve as floating relief centers, house volunteers, store and distribute supplies.
To Christians and the faith community. We are waiting to hear from President Donald Trump in the wake of this disaster, and the religious community that helped elect him should be eager to take action. Scripture teaches that faith without works is dead, James 2:17, and that truth must guide this moment. If your vote for Trump was based on values of faith, then now is the time to apply that faith through service. Jamaica is filled with churches and believers. It deserves the full love and care that Christianity teaches — love that moves, gives, and shows up when people are hurting.
What you can do now
- Give to trusted relief organizations including World Central Kitchen. They are already working to provide food, shelter, and supplies.
- Volunteer your time by gathering and sorting donations. Connect with local churches, civic centers, and community groups for information on how you can help through service.
- Travel with care. When you return to Jamaica, support local businesses, creators, and communities. Do more than show up at resorts.
- Commit for the long term. This recovery will take years.
- Corporate partners must invest real resources to support workers, rebuild neighborhoods, and restore the cultural and natural landscape.
A common Jamaican colloquialism is “Likkle but Tallawah” it means small but mighty, and Jamaica has proven that strength to the world. Now the world must match that strength with love, action, and real support.
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