At my teacher’s college last fall, one of my professors lectured about what it means to be a good citizen. We talked about the importance of volunteering. Then on October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall, causing severe damage to western Jamaica. Families were left without their basic needs. After seeing all the devastation, I felt compelled to do what I could to help those who were in need.

Many organizations helped to get western Jamaica standing again, including International Samaritan Jamaica. I traveled with a group of scholars to Montego Bay, St. James to deliver care packages to people in desperate need of aid.  

When we arrived in Montego Bay, the once vibrant and colourful city was in shambles. We saw many roofs lifted, powerlines down, and inadequate sources of clean water. People were fetching water from streams to help them bathe and flush toilets.

While we were distributing the pre-packed bags with food items and toiletries, I felt relieved that the eastern part of the island, where I reside, was not affected badly. In fact, Kingston was back to normal business operations a few weeks after the hurricane passed. I am happy that Kingston was left untouched, as this is where many of the island’s factory industries are, including the National Bakery and Petro-Jam, which supplies the island with fuel. If Kingston had experienced the same devastation as the west, the whole country would deeply feel it.

I am grateful that we are alive and that I was able to help those who are down and rebuild our land. As our national anthem says, “Eternal Father, Bless our Land.”

Jamaica will rise again. 

Kareef, Samaritan Scholar, Jamaica

Kareef, 20, has been a Samaritan Scholar since 2021. He’s now in his third year at a teacher’s college in Jamaica. Kareef has been pursuing a brighter future for himself and for those he will one day teach.