ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

Stewart's pledges $100,000 per vehicle to Hurricane Melissa rebuild

Stewart's Automotive Group has pledged $100,000 from every vehicle sold towards Hurricane Melissa relief and rebuilding initiatives.

Working through the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation, Kind Hearts Foundation, and partners such as Food for the Poor Jamaica, the American Friends of Jamaica, and the Global Empowerment Mission, the group says it is committed to helping restore homes and livelihoods across the island.

"Every vehicle purchased helps a family rebuild. Every purchase drives hope," Stewart's Automotive said in a media release.

The group said it has has mobilised more than $30 million to date in relief efforts across St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny and St Ann.

"Jamaica is heartbroken by the overwhelming devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa," said Jacqueline Stewart Lechler, managing director of Stewart's Automotive Group.

"Our brothers and sisters in the west are facing unimaginable losses. Through the Richard and Diana Stewart Foundation and Kind Hearts Foundation, the Stewart's Automotive Group has responded to the call for action to help our fellow Jamaicans in every way we can," Stewart Lechler said.

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Chinese community rallies to help Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

The Jamaican Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) has collaborated with the Chinese Community of Jamaica to coordinate an immediate humanitarian response, aimed at rebuilding and rising stronger.

Vincent Chang, President and Johnny Huang, vice president of the CBA, expressed their heartfelt commitment to this cause.

"Our mission is not only to provide relief efforts to the parishes that have impacted greatly by Hurricane Melissa, but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Jamaica in the long journey of recovery, to rebuild a more beautiful and improved Jamaica, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as Jamaicans," Chang said.

To ensure the effective distribution of care packages, the CBA says it actively engages with key government stakeholders -- the Office of the Prime Minister, members of parliament, councillors, mayors, and the police to provide invaluable on-the-ground insights into the communities most in need.

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Chemical company steps up with public health support

Ansa Chemicals Jamaica has made a major contribution to the national recovery effort following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, donating 69,800 litres of bleach to support sanitisation and water-treatment initiatives in hard-hit communities across the island.

The donation includes 50,000 litres of eight-per cent industrial-strength bleach packaged in 50 IBC totes (1,000 litres each), along with 1,800 cases of five-per cent household bleach--totalling 10,800 bottles and 19,800 litres--to ensure that families, particularly in remote and isolated communities, have access to properly treated water during the ongoing public health response.

Stephen Summers, country manager of Ansa Chemicals Jamaica, emphasised the company's commitment to national relief efforts.

"Ansa Chemicals Jamaica and our parent company, Ansa McAL Chemicals, are committed to aiding the relief and rebuilding effort by providing quality bleach to support sanitation and water treatment in communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa," Summers said.

"This donation is a part of our ongoing commitment to the people of Jamaica in their time of need."

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Mining firm delivers free water

In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Discovery Bauxite, has been supplying potable water to residents whose supplies have been disrupted by the passage of the storm.

"Truckloads of water leave the plant daily for the mining and production area, schools and communities, while hundreds are served from the public water stand located at Jacks Lodge adjacent to the company's Tretzel Medical Clinic," the company stated in a release.

"Water is delivered free of charge to community based organisations and to individuals who are in need.

"Discovery Bauxite has also made water available to trucks coming from as far as Montego Bay where the National Convention Centre houses an arm of the World Central Kitchen teams cooking up to 5,000 meals per day," it added.

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Classique pledges $20m Melissa support

Classique Inc., along with its subsidiaries - SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales/Rentals, and Ecosense Project Management - has pledged $20 million toward relief efforts for Jamaica.

In addition, Classique Car rentals has assigned over 15 SUVs to Doctors Without Borders and other groups assisting in relief missions across the island.

"This will be a continuous humanitarian effort," he said.

"This initiative marks only the beginning of the many efforts we will be rolling out in the coming weeks and months as we work to rebuild and strengthen the affected communities," said Nicholas Innis, chairman of the Classique Group.