Rajae Danvers spreads love through community relief after Hurricane Melissa

When Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, swept across the island, leaving families displaced, homes destroyed, and communities struggling, Rajae Danvers, a communications strategist and nation builder, took immediate action within his community. As the founder and executive director of the Spread Love Initiative, he returned to Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew, to lead recovery efforts before expanding efforts to the hardest-hit parishes in western Jamaica.

“Last week, members from my hometown in Maxfield Avenue called to share what they were facing after Hurricane Melissa. Roofs and fences were either gone or in a bad state that required repair. Some of them are the same people who help lead the annual Bring Back Di Love event at the end of the year. They always show up for the community,” Danvers shared.

True to his belief that love must start at home, Danvers walked through the lanes of Maxfield Avenue, listening to residents, assessing the damage, and checking in on families who needed help. Within a week, he returned with supplies, partnering with Alfrasure Structures and Roofing Limited, to help those most affected begin patching their homes.

Maxfield Avenue, one of Kingston’s oldest inner-city communities, often defined by its challenges, is also home to working families, entrepreneurs, and youth seeking change. Danvers, known for youth engagement and social impact, has become one of the voices helping shape that narrative.

“It wasn’t a grand operation, just love in action,” he shared. Danvers’ approach is simple – action rooted in empathy. He believes, “Ghetto people, uptown people, downtown people – all of us can contribute to help each other. That’s how we rebuild. Our communities can build when we become the builders.” This guides both his hurricane relief work and his wider community efforts.

People trust him

Businesswoman and community matriarch Sonia Marsh described Danvers as a constant presence in the community. “Rajae does not just show up when things are good, but especially when times are hard – you can always depend on him. He always finds a way to help. We’re grateful that he’s come to support us during this difficult period after the hurricane,” said Marsh. She further added, “As a young man putting in the effort, people trust him because he grew up right here with us. If he sees something in the community that needs to be done, he will find a way to get it done. If Rajae could rebuild Maxfield Avenue from scratch, he would.”

That trust has been key to uniting residents across divides. Garrett Cooper, a leader in his community, praised Danvers for his determination and leadership. “Rajae is a focused young man who is determined and genuine. I follow his lead in this mission because I see his heart. He always wants better for the garrison; that’s why we rate him. He wants peace in the garrison and wants to remove the bad stereotype, so we’ve been working together to bring the warring sides together and peace in Maxfield. It’s not easy work, but he is a man who doesn’t give up,” shared Cooper

“We have all seen the devastation in the west that will take us years to recover. People have nowhere to eat or sleep. There have been [human] deaths and [that of] livestock. Roadways and vegetation are destroyed. So we are organising ourselves to help,” Danvers explained. “But first, I had to organise support to fix things here in my hometown. Then I will join the efforts in the west. We have made assessments on which area needs us most in the west, and are mobilising efforts to offer aid.”

MAXFIELD YOUTH TO HELP REBUILD

Young people from Maxfield Avenue will commit their time and manpower to the restoration of the western parishes – clearing debris, assisting with roof repairs, and helping to rehabilitate damaged public spaces.

The distribution of aid is being facilitated through a coordinated effort among strategic partners and the National Youth Council of Jamaica (NYCJ), where Danvers sits as deputy chairman. Together, these partners are supporting the distribution of food and care packages, each containing non-perishable food items, bottled water, sanitary supplies, and first-aid kits.

A clothing and essentials drive is running concurrently, giving Jamaicans across the island the opportunity to help restore comfort and normalcy for displaced families. Donations may be delivered to the drop-off point at the Jamaica Society for the Blind, on Old Hope Road in St Andrew.

Youth who are interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit the NYCJ social media pages @nycja_ to register via the official Google Form, which provides details on assignments and mobilisation schedules.

With only two months left in the year, Danvers is also preparing for the next staging of his annual Bring Back Di Love Christmas Treat, set for Sunday, December 28, at Maxfield Avenue. The event, now a beloved tradition in Maxfield, brings together children, families, and volunteers for a day of food, entertainment, and fellowship.

nyoka.manning@gleanerjm.com