JFF reaches out to Treasure Beach FC, surrounding communities

THE JAMAICA Football Federation (JFF), in partnership with several of its major sponsors, has launched its Hurricane Melissa relief response with the delivery of care packages to communities across St Elizabeth – including Treasure Beach, Pondside, Carisbrook, and Black River.

The outreach, which included bottled water and Powerade, courtesy of Wisynco, along with supplies donated by Honey Bun and National Bakery, marked the first phase of the federation’s coordinated relief strategy aimed at supporting affected communities and members of the football family.

JFF President Michael Ricketts said the visit to Treasure Beach Football Club, whose facilities were destroyed during the hurricane, represented the federation’s commitment to stand with those at the heart of the game.

“As the national governing body for football in Jamaica, we understand that our responsibility goes far beyond the pitch,” said Ricketts.

“We must stand with our football family when they need us most. Supporting Treasure Beach FC and the wider community is an expression of our belief that football can and should be a force for recovery, unity and positive social impact. What we’ve started here is only the beginning – together, with our sponsors and the wider football world, we will help Jamaica rise again.”

Representatives of Treasure Beach FC expressed gratitude for the visit and support from the federation and its partners.

“Our club has lost a lot – the field, the lights, even our office, were all damaged,” said Paul Bernard, president of Treasure Beach FC.

“But this visit from the JFF reminds us that we’re not forgotten. Football has always been a part of this community’s heartbeat, and seeing the federation here gives us hope that we can rebuild stronger, together.”

The federation’s wider Hurricane Melissa relief strategy includes four key pillars: community outreach with sponsors — delivering immediate supplies and supporting local recovery initiatives in partnership with JFF sponsors; regional partnership with Concacaf — coordinating relief materials expected to arrive in Jamaica following the November 18 World Cup Qualifier; global football solidarity — engaging international football organisations to assist in longer-term rebuilding efforts; and match-day support and fundraising – dedicating a portion of the proceeds from the upcoming Qualifier to sustain relief operations.