St. Catherine, Jamaica, 21 January 2026 - The Jamaica Red Cross last week welcomed President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Mrs. Kate Forbes, whose visit placed a powerful spotlight on recovery, resilience and the efforts of volunteers driving Jamaica’s humanitarian response, three months after Hurricane Melissa struck the country.
At the Jamaica Red Cross national headquarters, in St. Catherine, volunteers and Red Cross Youth filled the room with songs, poetry and messages of unity, courage and humanity, a vibrant reflection of the compassion that has sustained communities through loss and rebuilding. Volunteers were formally recognised for their extraordinary dedication in the aftermath of the hurricane, even when many were personally impacted themselves.
“Recovery is often the most overlooked phase of a disaster, yet it is where dignity is restored and futures are rebuilt,” said IFRC President Kate Forbes. “What I have seen in Jamaica is the true heart of humanitarian action: local volunteers, especially young people, leading with courage, creativity and care for their communities.”
Jamaica Red Cross was active in communities before Hurricane Melissa made landfall, taking early action, supporting alerts and evacuations, and positioning relief for the most at-risk families. Since Hurricane Melissa hit the island, the Jamaica Red Cross has supported more than 28,000 people with shelter materials, clean water, health services, psychosocial support, and cash assistance to meet their most urgent needs.
During her visit, President Forbes visited mobile health clinics in Darliston and Savanna-la-Mar, made possible through the leadership of Jamaica Red Cross volunteers and staff, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Canadian Red Cross. These mobile clinics are strengthening primary healthcare access in communities which are still navigating the long road to recovery.
Jamaican Red Cross President, Ms. Allasandra Chung, underscored the significance of the visit and the volunteers it honoured. “This visit affirms that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, but restoring hope,” Chung said. "The service of our volunteers is priceless, and this recognition belongs to every volunteer and youth member who chose humanity in the face of hardship.”
President Forbes’ visit reinforces the IFRC’s long-term commitment to supporting Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, and the vital role of volunteers in rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected]
In Jamaica: Chloe Govindasamy, [email protected]
In Geneva: India Roberts-Smillie, +41 763 726 251
