Stand With Jamaica
Help Rebuild After The Storm
Frequently Asked Questionssss
The Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the private sector,international community, and donor agencies, has activated a comprehensive national relief and recovery effort—coordinated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to support affected communities, address urgent humanitarian needs, and guide the island’s long-term rebuilding and resilience efforts.
ODPEM leads national disaster response efforts, coordinates emergency services, and supports long-term recovery planning.
It is a government-backed initiative aimed at financing infrastructure rebuilding and community support programs in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
You can donate through the Government of Jamaica’s relief website – supportjamaica.gov.jm, authorised bank accounts, or, if you are an International Development Partner, you can provide donations by contacting the ODPEM.
Funds will be allocated to emergency relief, housing reconstruction, healthcare support, and economic recovery programs.
Yes, donations of food, clothing, medical supplies, and other essentials are accepted at designated drop-off centres, which will be communicated through the ODPEM.
Coordination with ODPEM:
All donor agencies are encouraged to coordinate with the Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) to ensure proper alignment before shipments depart.
Cosignee or delivery address: Mr. Richard Thompson Director General 2-4 Haining Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica Email: [email protected] Copy: [email protected]; [email protected];[email protected]; ps@[email protected]
Pre-Arrival Communication
Before importation, donors or consignees must provide information to the email addresses above and shipment details to the Jamaica Customs Agency (sca) at [email protected] including the description and quantities of goods, type of goods (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals, equipment), mode of Coordination with ODPEM:transportation (air or sea), expected date, time, and port of arrival, name of Customs Broker (if assigned), and donor organization and contact details. This ensures timely approvals, particularly for items requiring import permits such as food, medicine, and chemicals.
Documentation Requirements
All required documents must be submitted prior to the arrival of the shipments or presented upon arrival. Required Documents: Packing List, Airway Bill (by Air), Bill of Lading (by Sea), Invoices (where available), and Cargo Manifest.
Staging and Security of Relief Items
Relief items may be staged at a designated control area, either on or off the port, for inspection and processing. Clearance and Customs Formalities All standard Customs import procedures will apply. Import permits are required as per normal regulations. Where items are imported without the permits, the appropriate regulatory Agency must grant approval prior to release.