United Way of Jamaica unveils JM1.5M fund to restore farming communities

40th Anniversary ‘The Ruby Thread’ Gala postponed

Chair of Women’s Leadership Initiative Grace Burnett (left) and Jamaica Agricultural Society Manchester Parish Manager Olecia Porter (centre) share words of encouragement with farmer Alance Wisdom during the handover visit in the first round of funding from the Farmers' Rehabilitation Fund (FRF) in August 2024. UWJ and JAS disbursed initial farmers’ rehabilitation of JMD $250,000 each to two female farmers, Ms  Wisdom and Ms. Kyancian Reid, for the restoration of their farms and homes.

United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) and its Board have postponed ‘The Ruby Thread’ 40th Anniversary Gala slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025 in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact.

“We have shifted our focus to full disaster recovery mode,” said UWJ Board Chair Dr Devon Smith. “The UWJ is launching the Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund, pledging an initial JM $1.5 million to bring support and long-term recovery to Jamaica’s farming communities, our nation’s lifeline. Join with UWJ to strengthen its effort to provide effective assistance for the affected communities,” Dr Smith said. 

“We have an urgent timeline to bring the necessary support to these locations and it is imperative that our corporate and donor partners  come on board to ensure we can reach those that are in desperate need. With each passing day that we are not able to respond is each passing day that we are making it more difficult for the citizens of this country,” Dr Smith said.

The Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund will deliver critical resources including equipment, livestock feed, and financial aid to help farmers rebuild. Support also includes reconstruction of homes and greenhouses, fertiliser, planting supplies, and seedlings for crops such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber. 

“From the hills of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to the plains of Clarendon and St. Catherine, many have lost everything: homes, crops, livestock, and the very soil on which they depend. This initial fund is a lifeline to those who feed us, who rise before dawn to cultivate the land, and who now face unimaginable loss,” said Kerry-Lee Lynch UWJ Officer in Charge. “We extend our deepest sympathies to all who have been affected by the passing of Hurricane Melissa. Our thoughts are with the families suffering loss, the communities facing devastation, and the brave individuals working tirelessly in recovery efforts.”

United Way of Jamaica and Jamaica Agricultural Society Representatives distribute chicks to Clarendon farmers through the Farmers Rehabilitation Fund.

UWJ promises donation transparency

Dr Smith urged private and public organisations to collaborate with the UWJ and utilise its established channels. The organisation will again work in collaboration with public and private sector agencies as well as the United Way Worldwide to ensure effective delivery and transparency.

“The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) has a history of launching specific funds and collaborating with partners to provide both immediate and long-term disaster relief, with a notable focus on the agricultural sector and community infrastructure. As a country we must be able to rally round to support our brothers and sisters, those citizens who ensure we have access to food for our families and communities,” he explained.

Members of the public wishing to contribute can visit www.unitedway.org or the United Way of Jamaica directly at support.unitedway.org/page/disaster.

Email: info@unitedwayofjamaica.org

Phone: (876) 322-6477 or (876) 236-0143