US Adds US$2.5 Million to Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Recovery Support

Jamaica has secured a further US$2.5 million, about $394 million, in humanitarian support from the United States as the country continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa. The new assistance was announced last Wednesday by the United States Department of State during the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica Business and Civic Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility Awards and 40th Anniversary Gala at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

The disclosure came as AmCham Jamaica presented its Eagle of the Americas Award to the Bureau for Disaster and Humanitarian Response of the US Department of State. The recognition pointed to the ongoing disaster-relief relationship between Jamaica and the United States after the Category 5 system hit the island in October 2025.

The latest allocation is in addition to more than US$22 million in emergency support the US government had already provided following one of the most severe storms Jamaica has faced in recent history. Deputy Assistant Secretary Taylor Garrett received the award for the Bureau for Disaster and Humanitarian Response and spoke to the value of long-term cooperation and resilience as recovery work continues.

AmCham Jamaica president Ann-Dawn Young Sang said the event showed why international partners matter when countries are dealing with major emergencies.

“The response to Hurricane Melissa demonstrated the extraordinary impact of partnership, compassion and coordinated leadership,” she said. “As AmCham Jamaica marks 40 years of strengthening ties between Jamaica and the United States, it is fitting that we recognise a humanitarian effort that brought hope and relief to so many Jamaicans during one of the country’s most difficult periods.”

Young Sang also said, “AmCham Jamaica will continue advocating for sustainable growth, expanded investment, innovation, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. We will continue supporting emerging opportunities in renewable energy, including solar and wind, while encouraging investments that strengthen both our economy and our resilience, as this is what meaningful partnership looks like.”

The gala drew senior government representatives, diplomats, business leaders and members of the charitable sector for an evening focused on civic service, leadership and corporate responsibility.

Karl Hendrickson was among the major awardees, receiving a lifetime achievement honour for his work in business, tourism, philanthropy and national development. His son Kevin Hendrickson, granddaughter Amanda Hendrickson and great-grandson Dylan Marzouca accepted the award on his behalf.

Audrey Tugwell-Henry, president and chief executive officer of Scotiabank Jamaica, received the 2026 President’s Award for her civic leadership and contribution to the financial sector. Her daughter, Peter-Kay Henry, collected the award for her.

The Civic Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility awards also recognised people and organisations involved in community-strengthening work across Jamaica. Special Good Samaritan awards were presented to the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation and the Sean Paul Foundation for their post-hurricane relief activities in western Jamaica.

In the corporate social responsibility sections, Danielle Rae Neil of The Happi Hub won among small organisations, while GraceKennedy Group was named the top large organisation. The Digicel Foundation received the Civic Leadership Award for Excellence for large companies, and Christopher Chinapoo won in the individuals and small organisations category.