TAMPA, Fla. — As Hurricane Melissa relief efforts continue in Jamaica, some people here in the Tampa Bay area working to collect donations got to see firsthand how their efforts are helping people on the island.
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As Hurricane Melissa relief efforts continue in Jamaica, some people here in the Tampa Bay area working to collect donations got to see firsthand how their efforts are helping people on the island
Caribbean American National Development Organization Chairman Francis Joseph said he visited Jamaica to make sure donations got into the hands of those who need it most
With a continued outpouring of help from organizations like CANDO and others across the country, Joseph said he is comforted knowing the people of Jamaica won’t be alone as they transition from recovery to rebuilding
It was important to see the massive barrels filled with donations loaded inside trucks and later transported to warehouses in Jamaica. At least that’s how Caribbean American National Development Organization Chairman Francis Joseph said he felt he had to capture.
“I was able to go down to Jamaica two weekends ago and really observe and validate what was actually happening with the donations we collected,” he said.
Seeing the outpouring of support from the Tampa Bay area, he said he knew he had to make it his mission to get the donations in the hands of those who need it most.
“We stood there and worked side-by-side with various organizations, including the Jamaica Defence Force. Seeing the products were actually being taken or being sent to the individuals who were being impacted,” he said.
After spending time on the island over the last few weeks, Joseph experienced the people and their children who were hit the hardest.
“The way the people are uniting to help each other. That says a lot about the resilience of the people themselves and the relationship and the bond as an island and as a group of people coming together and helping each other,” Joseph said.
It’s something he said is needed, especially at a time like this.
“They’re making the best of it. While I was there, there was an announcement that the government was cancelling some of their regular Christmas parties during the Christmas season, recognizing while some people are having a good time, some have lost everything,” he said.
With a continued outpouring of help from organizations like CANDO and others across the country, Joseph said he is comforted knowing the people of Jamaica won’t be alone as they transition from recovery to rebuilding.