A clarion call was made for much-needed aid, as Hurricane Melissa continued to tear its path of tragic devastation and leaving a huge number of people losing their lives and their livelihoods.

The ‘clarion call’ was made by the Association of Jamaican Nationals (UK) in Birmingham, as its chair, Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD, DL, convened an emergency gathering of fellow-members, in particular, and fellow-concerned individuals, in general, to play their parts in “rebuilding lives” and “rebuilding hope.”

As a larger-than-expected crowd turned up at the Legacy Centre of Excellence, in Birmingham, and Deidre LaBassiere welcomed the gathering, those seeking reassurance from the assembled guests would, at least, know that those who can – in the city and wider afield, are doing their level best to make sure the suffering are getting the help they desperately need. With a chartered flight landing in the UK from Kingstan, with British nationals onboard, Dr. Beverley was at pains to highlight the need for aid to go in the opposite direction.

After reading a message of support from HRH King Charles III, hers was a call immediate help from organisations and individuals to play their part: “This is a time for compassion, unity and collective responsibility,” she said. “Let us come together for Jamaica,” she went on.

“We must sustain our support and make sure it reaches the right destinations as our entire nation needs us. With our motto being ‘We Are Better Together’, we must reset, unite and be a positive example of strength.”

The Legacy Centre’s CEO, Keith Shayaam-Smith, then made note of the distribution points from which aid will be taken (to Jamaica): “JLB Logistics, Cleone Foods and here, at the Legacy Centre of Excellence will be the three drop-off points. Even if you have one tin of beans, it will be a help. There’s a list of items that are at the most in need – and remember, ‘We Are the Solution.      

“Now, it’s time for us to go to work!” Shenika Ramsey, Business Development Officer for the Jamaica Tourist Board, updated all on the ground situation: “This impacts people living here, in the UK as she shared the current situation at ground level: “With government and commercial flights now open, UK nationals are able to return home. It’s good, though, to check with travel agencies.

“It’s good to check visitjamaica.com/travelalert for one, further information. Just be supportive and just give.”

“We in the diaspora must play our part in rebuilding Jamaica,” JLB Shipping’s Beverly Johnson said in her call to stakeholders. “We must understand the logistics.

“I will not stop until we get ‘Duty Free’ extended period to at least December 31. I recommend that people ship to Kingston – for at least this period.”

“We need tarpaulins, solar lights and seedlings.” After detailing the immediate shipping solutions, a video message by the High Commissioner for Jamaica (UK) in London, His Excellency Alexander Williams, drove the need for aid even further.

He would hight another online porthole, supportjamaica.co.uk, for another vital contact point, before reiterating the drop-off centre in the UK’s second city. Messages from Rev, Tim Cobham of the Elim International Missions, Samaritan’s Purse (Coventry, Cleone Foods’ Wase Lynn CBE, CD DL and Dr. Saidul Haque Saiis of West Midlands Citizens UK, would then follow, with Mr Cobham simply emphasising: “How ever you’re looking to get involved, just get involved.”

Dr. Saidul Haque said: “Contact your schools, gyms and places of worship to help – and get involved! This is a community involvement.

“There’s a lot of work already being done. But it is never enough right now.

For his part Mr Lynn made a point of what is already in place: “We’re in contact with made other points in towns around the UK. Yesterday we purchased £10,000 of goods that is already being shipped out on a container.

“Wherever they need picking up, we’ll be there. And satellite links are in place for contact with people there.

“Anything we send down is going to ‘Food for the Poor’. If you can’t give goods, give money.”

Relevant points of interest were highlighted – such as the fact that you can also give money through institutes like JN Bank, for one - another point that was made, before an open-floor session gave the audience their chance to air their views and concerns.