NY charity provides power, water to hurricane-hit Jamaicans
Published:Saturday | November 29, 2025 | 12:07 AM
Beverly Nichols, head of New York-based Push Start Foundation, has long supported her homeland. So when Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica’s western parishes, she quickly mobilised help.
Within two weeks, Nichols chartered a jet carrying bottled water and 26 solar generators worth US$100,000.
“When I saw what had happened in Black River, I saw the hopelessness in my people and I knew I had to get down there and do my part,” she said.
Friends suggested donating portable baths, but Nichols recalled the island’s frequent power outages and opted for solar generators. “If I could help to get schools reopened, it would be good. Many areas would not get electricity for months, and how long can we keep children out of school?” she said.
Two schools, Little London High in Westmoreland and Knockalva Polytechnic in Hanover, along with Lacovia Community Centre, were among the first recipients. Three individuals, including a dialysis patient and a seriously ill woman in Trelawny, also received generators. A third school in Trelawny will benefit from the next shipment, part of 200 units the foundation plans to donate.
Nichols credited Jamaican businesswoman Dr Tricia Bailey and educator Dr Karren Dunkley for assisting with the shipment.
Nichols, who owns a healthcare business in New York, recently received an honorary doctorate for her philanthropic work.
Push Start Foundation was established to improve the lives of less-fortunate Jamaicans. Its major project to date was refurbishing Chapelton Community Hospital in Clarendon.