Wed | Feb 11, 2026

Shipping sector rallies for ongoing Hurricane Melissa relief

Published:Tuesday | January 13, 2026 | 12:16 AM
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Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, president, SAJ, and Terrence Brooks, GM, SAJ, receive care packages from Carlos A. Murillo C., GM, ZIM–Carib Star (centre).
Contributed
Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, president, SAJ, and Terrence Brooks, GM, SAJ, receive care packages from Carlos A. Murillo C., GM, ZIM–Carib Star (centre).
From left: Terrence Brooks, GM, SAJ; Dania Shaw-Smith, sales manager, ZIM–Carib Star; Carlos A. Murillo C., GM, ZIM–Carib Star; Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, president, SAJ; Gregory-Paul Campbell, CFO, ZIM–Carib Star; and Natalie Nugent-Soocka, tra
Contributed
From left: Terrence Brooks, GM, SAJ; Dania Shaw-Smith, sales manager, ZIM–Carib Star; Carlos A. Murillo C., GM, ZIM–Carib Star; Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, president, SAJ; Gregory-Paul Campbell, CFO, ZIM–Carib Star; and Natalie Nugent-Soocka, transshipment & documentation manager, ZIM–Carib Star.
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The Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) continues to play a vital role in the nation’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, demonstrating how the maritime sector can mobilise resources and support for communities in need. Just two weeks ago, the SAJ welcomed a generous J$2-million donation from LJ Williams in Trinidad, which helped to launch relief efforts for affected families. This week, the hurricane response receives another boost through the contribution of 200 care packages from ZIM–Carib Star Shipping Ltd.

The donation underscores the ongoing commitment of the shipping and logistics community to support disaster relief in Jamaica. Packed with essential supplies, these care packages are being distributed to households hardest hit by the hurricane, offering immediate relief while symbolising solidarity in times of crisis.

Commenting on the continued relief efforts, SAJ General Manager Terrence Brooks underscored the importance of leadership and collective action within the industry. “Hurricane Melissa underscored the importance of coordinated, decisive action across the shipping and logistics sector. The Shipping Association of Jamaica remains committed to mobilising industry resources in a timely and effective manner, and we continue to encourage our members and partners to support the recovery as a shared national responsibility,” Brooks said.

For Carib Star Shipping Ltd, the donation is part of a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and community support. “ZIM Jamaica–Carib Star is proud to support the Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative, reflecting our ongoing commitment to responsible operations and to the communities we serve. Grounded in ZIM’s ESG vision to act fairly and strengthen societal and environmental resilience, this contribution underscores the essential role our industry plays in maintaining continuity across the Caribbean,” said Murillo, reflecting the company’s recognition of the role the shipping sector plays beyond commercial operations.

The Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative highlights the power of partnership within the industry. Through collaboration with corporate stakeholders, the SAJ is able to ensure that relief reaches the families who need it most, while also encouraging wider participation from industry players.

As the recovery effort continues, the SAJ urges members of the shipping and logistics sector to lend their support. Contributions, whether financial or in kind, will directly benefit communities still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Industry participants can make donations by contacting the SAJ’s Senior Business Development Manager, Akeela Marin, at akeelam@jamports.com, or by dropping off items at the SAJ office on 4 Fourth Street, Newport West.

The ongoing response to Hurricane Melissa demonstrates that Jamaica’s maritime community is not only a backbone of trade and logistics but also a steadfast pillar of support in times of national need. With continued collaboration, the SAJ hopes to maintain momentum in delivering relief and ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable citizens receive timely assistance.