Hurricane Beryl’s Impact on Treasure Beach: A Community United in Resilience

On July 3rd, 2024, Hurricane Beryl swept across the southern coast of Jamaica with unrelenting force, leaving St. Elizabeth, Treasure Beach, and the surrounding areas facing severe devastation. In the aftermath, the community found itself grappling with the immediate challenges of rebuilding homes, restoring vital services, and supporting those hardest hit by the storm.

In times of crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but what followed in Treasure Beach was nothing short of a collective demonstration of resilience. The need for recovery was urgent, and with that urgency came a clear vision: a total reset for the community. Over the days, weeks, and months that followed, a robust action plan unfolded — one that relied on the coordination of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local residents, frequent visitors and those in the diaspora working together toward a common goal.

A Unified Response: Overcoming Immense Challenges

The challenges faced by the community were immense. Roads were washed out, homes were destroyed, and essential services like water and electricity were disrupted for long periods. Yet, through it all, the community’s spirit remained unbroken. Local residents, supported by organizations both within Jamaica and abroad, came together in a powerful display of solidarity.

One of the most notable outcomes of this collaborative effort was the coordination between the government, NGOs, and local stakeholders to address the immediate needs of the community. With support from both Jamaican citizens and international partners, daily progress was made in the recovery process. From the distribution of essential food, water, and supplies, to the purchase of two commercial generators — which were donated to the National Water Commission on long-term loan to ensure a more reliable water supply for the area — the people of Treasure Beach demonstrated the true meaning of community resilience.

A Heartfelt Thank You: Built With Love Thank You Celebration

To honor the collective efforts and the generous contributions from sponsors, partners, and the wider community, The BREDS Foundation will host a special event, the “Built With Love Thank You Celebration“. This event is a tribute to all the individuals, organizations, and companies who rallied to support Treasure Beach in its time of need. From financial donations to in-kind contributions like food, water, and other supplies, every effort made a difference.

The “Built With Love” celebration will serve as a thank-you to those who played a pivotal role in the recovery process. It will be an opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering support of both local and international stakeholders who helped raise funds, donate goods, and contribute to rebuilding the community. Without these collective efforts, the progress made in Treasure Beach would not have been possible.

A Special Guest Speaker: Mr. Michael Lee-Chin

The BREDS Foundation is also honored to welcome a distinguished guest speaker to the event — Mr. Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman and CEO of Portland Holdings. As one of the most prominent business leaders in Jamaica and a philanthropist with a deep commitment to community development, Mr. Lee-Chin’s words will undoubtedly inspire all those who have worked tirelessly to bring Treasure Beach back to life.

His presence underscores the importance of leadership and partnership in overcoming adversity and highlights the role that business leaders can play in community recovery efforts.

Join Us for the Celebration — Live Streamed for All

The “Built With Love” Celebration will take place on Wednesday, November 27th and will be live-streamed on YouTube by BOJTV from 2:30 PM. This live stream will allow supporters from around the world to join in the celebration, even if they cannot be there in person. It’s a moment for everyone who has contributed to the recovery to come together virtually and share in the joy of the progress made.

We invite you to tune in, celebrate the incredible resilience of Treasure Beach, and be inspired by the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the community.

In Conclusion: The Power of Community

In times of disaster, the true strength of a community is revealed not in how much it has lost, but in how much it is willing to give — and how much it is able to rebuild, together. Treasure Beach’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl is a testament to the power of unity, compassion, and collaboration. We extend our deepest thanks to every individual and organization that has contributed to this journey of recovery, and we look forward to celebrating this collective achievement at the “Built With Love Thank You Celebration”.

Together, we have not only rebuilt a community; we have built a foundation of love, support, and resilience that will continue to stand strong for years to come.

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• By Robert Cooke
• November 26, 2024November 27, 2024
• With 0 comments