* The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is informing the public that persons are not required to present identification (ID) or a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) to collect hurricane relief packages.

* The official portal for Hurricane Relief effort in Jamaica is supportjamaica.gov.jm. The portal serves as a central hub for mobilising assistance, channeling relief, and connecting volunteers with those in need. It makes it easier for citizens, organisations, and international partners to support the island’s recovery.

* The Government of Jamaica is warning the public to be on high alert for fake websites posing as official Hurricane Melissa relief portals. Citizens are being reminded that all official government websites end with “ dot gov dot jm” and stressed that supportjamaica.gov.jm is the only legitimate platform for Hurricane Melissa relief contributions.

* Through the National Housing Trust homeowners can now access a home-improvement loan of up to J$3.5 million at a low interest rate of 2 percent. The NHT will also provide grants of up to J$500,000 for contributors facing significant damage. These grants will be awarded based on need and level of impact.

* The Government has extended the duty-free and GCT-free importation of Hurricane relief supplies until the end of December 2025. With this, shipments of relief supplies can reach Jamaicans without the added financial strain.

* Tax Administration Jamaica has extended the deadline for filing GCT, SCT, and others taxes for Jamaicans and businesses due on October 31. The new deadline is November 28, without penalty.

Here’s how we’re rebuilding hope through donations:

Emergency organisations and international governments are stepping up in big ways.

* UNICEF has set aside US$1 million to help children and families in urgent need.

* The Red Cross has delivered 64 tons of relief items, from solar lamps and tarpaulins to shelter kits.

* The UK Government has pledged £2.5 million to assist the region’s recovery, and the World Bank has confirmed a major assistance package for Jamaica.

* A shipment of humanitarian and essential supplies has arrived, thanks to the European Union, France, the Netherlands and other partners. The relief cargo includes water purification equipment, 500 shelter tool kits, 1,000 tarpaulins, and other much needed supplies.

* Our Caribbean neighbours are also showing love, the Cayman Islands delivered 1,500 packages of supplies worth over US$200,000. And the Bahamas donated relief supplies and a monetary contribution of up to 2 million Bahamian Dollars.

* An Emergency Field Hospital by the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, is now in operation at the Black River High School in St. Elizabeth. It will provide extensive medical services and support to the surrounding areas that were devastated. More than 60 people, including experienced members of the organisation’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) are volunteering at the field hospital.

* More than 70 Medical professionals from Spain are now stationed at the emergency field hospital established at the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny. The field hospital, which began operations on November 6, has the capacity to treat an average of 200 persons per day, and to perform up to seven major and 15 minor surgeries daily.

* And the Ministry of Health of Wellness through the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief opened a field clinic in Whitehouse, Westmoreland. The facility provides well-needed medical services to the area and its environs after Hurricane Melissa damaged the original clinic. It will be staffed by the local team of health workers in the parish.

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