Comedian White Yardie supports St Bess communities

When UK-based comedian Harry 'White Yardie' Gregory saw the heartbreaking images of Hurricane Melissa's destruction in his home parish of St Elizabeth, he didn't hesitate.

The content creator was determined to assist and put an appeal for donations from individuals in the UK on his social media pages. Within weeks, he had enough items which he packed for shipping into a 20-foot container for residents of Parottee and Vineyards, two of the hardest hit areas.

"As a child, I would come down to Parottee Bay and some of the people here are those I would speak to as a child. We also chose these areas because they were among the hardest hit," he said. White Yardie explained that after receiving the donations, he organised with good friend Anthony Davis, who operates The Original Patty Company, to get the container to Jamaica.

We put out appeals on social media for volunteers to help us load the containers. Mr Davis also helped us to secure the containers to ship the items," he added.

Recognising that recovery goes far beyond material supplies, White Yardie, in collaboration with JN Money and the JN Foundation, organised a medical mission recently, supported by St John's Ambulance. Since the hurricane, JN and St John Ambulance had treated more than 400 across St Elizabeth, Trelawny, and Westmoreland while providing care packages to others. The relief mission to Parottee and Vineyards provided an additional 1,500 care packages to residents.

"Our priority has been to ensure relief reaches residents quickly and responsibly," said Horace Hines, general manager, JN Money."

"Hurricane Melissa disrupted the lives of the residents, their daily routines and ability to make a living. In moments like these, caring for one another becomes even more important. As a financial organisation, The Jamaica National Group stands with those who are struggling. We're here to help residents check their health, access essential supplies, and feel supported as they navigate this incredibly difficult time," Hines added.

For Mary Linton, a resident of Parottee Bay, the medical mission arrived at a moment when she needed it most. Linton, a fish vendor, said the impact of the hurricane has been devastating.

"The hurricane affected me badly because I haven't been able to work since it passed," she said. "I sell fish for a living, and many of the fishermen lost their boats, so they can't go to sea. Vendors like me lost our igloos, refrigerators and other equipment, so everything has come to a stop."

She added that being unemployed has taken a toll on her health.

"Because I'm not earning, I have to depend on donations. I can't eat as I normally would, and that has pushed up my blood sugar. I've been very thirsty lately, so I knew something was wrong. I'm grateful the medical team was here to check me and give me some help."

The care packages donated by White Yardie and JN Money were also a welcome support.

"The personal care items and supplies like water can't be too much," she said. "They are helping many of us who are still trying to get back on our feet."

Another Parottee Bay resident, Sandera Wright, said the assistance came at a crucial time for her family.

"This care package will help me and my three children. Both their father and I haven't been able to work since Melissa, so things have been tight. The personal care items will really help my little ones."