Just over two months after Hurricane Melissa ravaged western Jamaica, leaving hundreds of families in Petersfield and Cave Mountain, Westmoreland, struggling to cope, relief arrived just in time for the Christmas holiday season. This time, the support came from a Jamaican family in the diaspora, returning to “Yard” with a determination to give back to the land that helped shape their lives.
Robert and Greg Turner, supported by relatives and friends on both sides of the Atlantic and inspired by their sister, world-renowned singer Ruby Turner, travelled to Westmoreland with care packages, clothing and essential food items for residents still feeling the effects of the hurricane.
“It wasn’t about motivation,” Robert Turner said. “It was just something that needed to be done.”
Cave Mountain, in particular, holds deep personal significance for him.
“That’s where my grandfather and father originated,” he explained. “I have a sister, a nephew and cousins in that general area, so I knew I had to help in whatever way I could.”
Robert coordinated donations from Ruby Turner, the celebrated British-Jamaican soul, R&B, jazz and gospel singer, while Greg Turner, his wife, daughters and other family members conducted their own outreach. Robert purchased supplies in Kingston and personally delivered them to residents in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, and Cave Mountain.
UK-based Ruby Turner, known internationally for hits such as It’s Gonna Be Alright and for her work as a backing vocalist with Boy George and Culture Club in the 1980s, has long emphasized faith, family and her Jamaican roots as central to her life and career. Her contribution reflected that enduring bond, as the family’s outreach also included the younger generation.
“The young Turners gave to the shelter at Petersfield High School, compliments of their dad, Greg Turner, and the kids,” Robert said. “I went to Cave Mountain in Westmoreland and distributed care packages, compliments of myself, Ruby Turner and other members of the family.”
Greg Turner described the hands-on effort at the Petersfield High School shelter.
“We went down to the shelter and dropped off five bags of clothes for adults and children, along with food donated by my neighbors,” he said. “We did a donation drive and filled three barrels.”
Community members, including Shirley Summerville, assisted with distribution in Cave Mountain.
“Thanks to Shirley for her help in distributing the packages in Cave Mountain,” Robert said.
Now retired and living in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, after decades as a financial accountant at City University of New York’s Bronx Community College, Robert said the trip left a lasting impression—particularly on the younger family members.
“What an experience and what memories for them,” he reflected.
While the assistance may not have matched the scale of larger organizations, for families who received a bag of food, clothing or simple reassurance, it made a meaningful difference—underscoring how resilience, family ties and love for home can travel long distances to bring relief when it is needed most.
