St. Leonards Health and Social Service Fair Set for 30 July After Hurricane Melissa

The Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Amity Community Outreach Group are organising a one-day Health and Social Service Fair for people in St. Leonards who continue to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The gathering is set for Thursday, 30 July 2026, at St. Leonards Primary School in Westmoreland, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. By setting up services within the rural community, organisers hope to spare residents the burden of travelling roughly 30 miles to the nearest hospital.

On the day, visitors can get rapid blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, school medicals, general medical consultations, and mental health counselling. Staff will also handle on-site registrations and screenings for major social programmes, including PATH, the National Insurance Scheme, and social pensions, along with housing support, farm assistance, and relief package distribution.

The effort draws together eight government bodies and two private-sector organisations in what planners describe as a broad, coordinated response.

"Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, our most vulnerable residents have faced immense difficulties in accessing basic health and social services," said Kerean Stephenson, Parish Manager for the SDC in Westmoreland. "This fair is about bringing help directly to the people who need it most, eliminating the barriers of distance and cost. We are committed to ensuring every resident receives the support they need to recover and rebuild."

There is no charge to attend, and the fair is open to everyone in St. Leonards and neighbouring communities. Particular outreach is planned for the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, and low-income households.

Alongside meeting immediate needs, the initiative is meant to bolster community resilience, sharpen health awareness, and build durable links among service providers so recovery work can continue over the longer term.