SAJ supports national relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa

THE SHIPPING Association of Jamaica (SAJ) has joined forces with the Government of Jamaica and other private sector organisations in coordinated post-hurricane relief efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage across parts of the island last week.

Through its member companies, the SAJ is contributing technical and logistical expertise to support the national recovery programme. The association’s members are assisting with ocean freight, air freight, and ground transportation of relief supplies to affected communities, ensuring that essential items such as food, water, and medical supplies reach those most in need.

SAJ member companies are working closely with relief partners, including Food for the Poor, the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen, under the guidance of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and in collaboration with other private sector bodies such as the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Jamaica Customs, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.

As part of its broader recovery support, the SAJ is also working with the PAJ to reopen the Port of Montego Bay by tomorrow, for commercial cargo operations. This reopening is expected to accelerate the movement of essential goods into western Jamaica, one of the regions hardest hit by the storm.

SAJ President, Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, affirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to fostering national development, resilience, and recovery.

“The SAJ and our member companies are fully dedicated to partnering with the Government and the wider private sector to accelerate the restoration of normality,” she said. “Our members are deploying their core expertise in shipping, logistics, and transportation to ensure relief supplies reach the affected communities safely and efficiently.”

Robertson-Sylvester underscored the critical function of Jamaica’s maritime and logistics sector in enabling the nation’s rebound. “Unity and collaboration define this moment,” she added. “The road to recovery is long - requiring months of hard work and years for full restoration. The SAJ remains deeply committed to the sustained effort needed to rebuild and fortify Western Jamaica. We will help to restore hope, renew livelihoods, and collectively ensure our nation emerges more resilient than before.”

The SAJ is also encouraging members of the business community and the public to channel donations and relief support through the official government platform established to coordinate national recovery efforts, as well as through trusted and recognised aid agencies.

The SAJ’s participation forms part of a wider private sector mobilisation to assess damage, identify resource gaps, and coordinate the flow of goods and materials to the hardest-hit areas.

As the national recovery effort continues, the SAJ reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities and to standing with Jamaica as the country navigates the recovery process.