Jamaica by Hanif Zahari via iStock for WMNF News.
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Hurricane Melissa slammed Jamaica this week and caused widespread damage.
Here in Tampa, the owner of four local Jamaican restaurants is partnering with Jamaican community organizations to collect supplies to help the island.
Andrew Ashmeade has owned Jerk Hut for 32 years.
He and his family live in central Jamaica. He says his family was spared the worst of the storm’s damage.
But many people he knows still can’t get in contact with their family due to widespread power outages.
“Even since today, they’ve been calling me, you know saying that they’re still reaching out to their loved ones and they haven’t heard anything back yet,” Ashmeade told WMNF.
Ashmeade joined forces with CANDU and the Caribbean Cultural Association to accept donations at the Jerk Hut location on East Fowler Avenue.
He is encouraging donations for things that are easily transportable and non-perishable.
Ashmeade says he hopes underserved communities can benefit from the supplies
“Maybe this will open a door to, you know, where some good comes out of all of this bad,” Ashmeade said.
They are also looking for items for babies and the elderly.
“Keep praying for all of the people there and pray for a speedy, speedy recovery of the island,” Ashmeade said.
1241 E Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL
33612