Peace Corps volunteers begin service focused on literacy, hurricane relief

Twenty-one newly sworn-in Peace Corps volunteers will work in rural parishes, supporting literacy in primary schools and helping farmers strengthen sustainable agriculture and community resilience.

They will also assist with post–Hurricane Melissa recovery in partnership with host communities, including assessing and documenting storm damage and helping with cleanup across farms, schools and public spaces.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, underscored the importance of partnership as the group begins its service.

“Your presence over the coming months will matter. Jamaica’s resilience is strong, and partnership, real partnership, makes it stronger. You will contribute to that strength. Be guided by your fellow community members and follow their lead in the rebuilding process.”

Renner also thanked Jamaican ministries, community leaders, schools and host families for supporting the programme.

“To our Jamaican partners, ministries, community leaders, schools, and host families, many of whom have made a tremendous sacrifice to be here in the wake of hurricane recovery, thank you for welcoming these Volunteers and supporting this enduring partnership.”

Country Director Tammy L. Palmer reaffirmed the Peace Corps’ long-standing commitment to Jamaica, noting that Group 95 will continue a legacy of service spanning more than six decades.

Peace Corps Jamaica began on February 22, 1962, when Premier Norman Washington Manley invited the organisation to establish a programme on the island. The first cohort arrived on June 12, 1962, just weeks before Jamaica gained independence.