JMMB Group Partners with Salvation Army in Caribbean Relief Efforts 

The JMMB Group during a handover ceremony held at its New Kingston-based head office, recently, presented a symbolic cheque to members of the Salvation Army, valued at J$1 million to assist in the rehabilitation efforts of its Caribbean neighbours, who were devastated, following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The JMMB Group, with the assistance of its team members, sought to make a donation to the hurricane relief efforts in a bid to assist in restoring the lives of the persons who have suffered significant disruption.

JMMB Group notes that it sought to partner with Salvation Army in this way as this organization has had a longstanding relationship and established networks, in the impacted countries. Additionally, with the Salvation Army having personnel living across these islands, they have an intimate knowledge of the needs, and understand, firsthand, the challenges being faced by those whose lives have been devastated. This would, therefore, ensure that those most in need would benefit from the donation. 

Keith Duncan, CEO, JMMB Group, notes, “By making a financial contribution through the Salvation Army, JMMB Group hopes to help to restore hope and a semblance of normalcy, to the individuals affected. We believe that in providing funding to relief organizations, such as the Salvation Army, they are better equipped to attend to the immediate needs of the individuals.” 

The regional financial entity, JMMB Group, encouraged its team members to stand in solidarity with its Caribbean neighbours by donating to the fund. This donation is in keeping with the organization’s Vision of Love statement, which notes, “JMMB Group seeks opportunities like these to actively and publicly be involved in charitable and voluntary activities within the society and recognizes and accepts its social responsibility; understanding that these initiatives have everything to do with JMMB, as we see ourselves as a part of the link in the wider chain.” 

Commissioner Mark Tillsley, territorial coordinator of The Salvation Army, on the occasion of the handover ceremony thanked JMMB Group for joining forces with the Salvation Army, by making a significant donation to the relief efforts, which, he said, would be a “slow, yet steady, process in rebuilding the countries most affected by the hurricanes.”

According to reports from the Caribbean Community Secretariat, recovery costs are expected to surpass US$ 5billion, based on the latest needs estimates. The principal economic sectors of tourism and agriculture have been significantly affected, according to the assessments provided during a recent conference, organized by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with support from the United Nations (UN) Development Programme (UNDP), working with sister UN agencies.

The Salvation Army’s recovery efforts will largely benefit the Caribbean countries most devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, including:  Antigua and Barbuda, the US Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Lucia, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten. 

The JMMB Group also made a similar donation to Haiti’s rebuilding efforts, after it was hit by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, through Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica.