Global Medic distributes 1,175 food kits in Westmoreland

Western Bureau:

What began as an emergency response to disaster is now evolving into a broader movement for resilience and self-sufficiency in Westmoreland.

At the centre of that effort is Rosa Young, a Negril-based businesswoman who has been coordinating relief efforts with Global Medic and a wide network of local stakeholders.

“I have been helping Westmoreland since October 29 [the day after Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica] to do outreach for my community,” Young said. “I’ve been working with the councillors to help distribute food kits and filters.”

Through collaboration with government agencies, private businesses and volunteers, Young said the initiative has been able to reach hundreds of residents.

In less than an hour, 1,175 food kits were distributed, in what she said was a clear indication of the level of need in the parish.

Young, who has been coordinating much of the relief effort on the ground, stressed that the initiative is the result of widespread collaboration.

“This does not move with one person,” she said, as she acknowledged the many individuals and organisations who played a role in getting the supplies to Westmoreland.

Young pointed out that with formal disaster response efforts winding down, much of the work now depends on committed stakeholders.

“We have Sophia Mitchell from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, because we have to remember that disaster relief is no longer existing. Everybody has gone back to their original job description,” she said.

She also highlighted the logistical support that made the distribution possible.

“We have Brigadier Mahatma Williams, Lance Corporal Champlini Henry from Burke Barracks ... these gentlemen have been instrumental in helping us move and bring the items over from Montego Bay to Negril,” she said.

Among others credited were Carol Burke from Cargo, Courtney Samuels from Samuels Hardware, and Dale Lewis, who helped to transport the forklift.

Young noted that even seemingly small challenges, like sourcing equipment, proved critical to the operation.

“I never thought it would be so hard to find a forklift to move stuff, but it was crucial to move,” she said.

This particular set of emergency food kits was possible through Rahul Singh, the executive director at Global Medic.

“He (Singh) has Jamaica, especially Westmoreland, in his heart. This is just the first of many that he has committed to Westmoreland,” said Young. “That’s to show you that the need is great for food down here.”

According to Young, the efforts have been deliberately focused on the most vulnerable.

“We are focused on shut-ins and seniors, they are going to be hand-delivering each one to these people to ensure that they get it,” she said.

Esnette Palmer-Khan, a records officer at the Westmoreland Health Department, has been personally impacted by the donation.

“I know the need,” she said, explaining how she gathered lists of names of elderly residents in Auldayr and Kentucky, to ensure they were included.

“When the hurricane came, most of the structures were damaged, and most person’s livelihood would be damaged, because most of them are farmers,” she added.

Palmer-Khan also highlighted disparities in aid distribution.

“One section has always been getting, and there’s another section that is not getting,” she said. “So normally, when I’m getting things ... I ensure that the other side that is not getting regularly, gets.”

She believes the current initiative will make a meaningful difference.

“I think it will greatly impact them in a positive way, and they will really appreciate it,” she said.

Khan secured 126 emergency kits, with more than 80 earmarked for Auldayr and the rest to be distributed in the community of Kentucky.

Beyond immediate relief, Young is pushing for long-term solutions, including food security and economic empowerment.

“We want to be self-sufficient and be able to be productive as a parish,” she said.

She said plans are already in motion to introduce vertical farming in schools and communities.

“If we can do vertical farming, it will hire so many young men who are not working right now, and we will [also] be able to teach people how to fish instead of looking for handouts,” she said.

Access to clean water remains another major concern, with some residents still relying on unsafe sources.

“There are still people drinking from ponds, drinking from rivers,” said Young.

To address this, additional water filtration systems are being rolled out across several communities and schools.

In the near-six months since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Global Medic delivered over 270 water purification kits in the parish, alongside installing two water filtration systems in Frome and Blauwearie.

There are also plans to install an additional five filtration systems at primary schools in Broughton, Little Bay, Revival, Friendship and Seaforth Town.

Meanwhile, Young is calling for private-sector stakeholders to step up with additional assistance.

“It’s so crucial. I can’t stress it high enough,” Young said, referring to business involvement in recovery efforts.

“If you don’t care and [don’t] get involved, how are your staff going to get to work? Your staff lives in these communities and have no power.”

Despite the challenges, Young remains optimistic, saying that community action is better than total dependence.

“We’re not waiting for handouts ... we are being proactive and productive,” she said.

“We can’t sit and wait for help. Otherwise, we’re going to die.”

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com