As St. Elizabeth, Jamaica continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl, several of the hardest-hit families have received critical support from Jamaican organizations based in the United States to help prepare their children for the upcoming school year.
On August 9, the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), in partnership with the Lorraine J. Smith Foundation and other Jamaican-led charities, hosted a back-to-school fair at the Black River Fire Station. The event provided school supplies, book vouchers, and free health checks for students.
Operating under the theme “Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Futures,” the fair was a lifeline for many families in the breadbasket parish who are still grappling with the storm’s aftermath. The initiative aimed to ease their financial burdens as the new school year approaches.
Peter Gracey, the GJDC representative for the Southern United States, spoke to JIS News about the decision to help children in Jamaica following the hurricane’s impact.
“We understood that there are going to be challenges for the parents who were saving their money to buy school supplies for the kids. They are also not going to have money to do their children’s medical and more,” Gracey explained. “So, we organized with the Lorraine J. Smith Foundation, the Sunshine Medical Centre, Everyone Has a Story (EHAS), and Grocery List to come to Jamaica.”
The Lorraine J. Smith Foundation donated $1 million to support the effort, and Gracey’s own charity, “This Is Jamaica,” also played a significant role in the initiative.
The relief effort distributed essential school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, pens, and pencils, ensuring that the children of St. Elizabeth are well-equipped to start the new school year. In addition, students received free medical checks and mental health support.
“The parents and the children are out here to collect these backpacks with school supplies, to get their medical checkup at no cost because this is what we do as diaspora members,” Gracey said.
The Lorraine J. Smith Foundation, which facilitated mental health sessions through the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology, also announced its official adoption of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) during the event. The foundation committed to providing ongoing emotional and educational support for the first responders.
Lorraine Smith, the foundation’s founder, emphasized the organization’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those most in need. “We are confident that this [back-to-school fair] will make a substantial difference in the lives of the affected families, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and hope as they prepare for the upcoming school year,” she said.
The event drew a large turnout, with many residents expressing gratitude for the assistance. Oscha Ellis, one of the attendees, praised the diaspora for their kindness.
“To the organizers here, well done. They didn’t have to do it, but they are doing it out of the kindness of their heart, and I know persons are appreciative. So, thank you on behalf of the other people who are getting some assistance today,” Ellis said.
She also noted that while some have recovered from the hurricane, many still face challenges, including a lack of electricity, water, and fully repaired homes. “Any little help goes a far way right now,” Ellis added.
The children who received school supplies were equally grateful. Nine-year-old Sasha-Kay Reid from Holland Primary School was thrilled with her new school bag and books, and she enjoyed the day’s activities, which included entertainment and refreshments.
Sasha-Kay’s mother, Trina-Kay Jones, welcomed the back-to-school fair and highlighted the importance of giving back to the community.
Related: Shenseea delivers relief to residents in St. Elizabeth after Hurricane Beryl
