A BermudAir craft packed with humanitarian aid touched down at Norman Manley International Airport at noon yesterday after the path of devastation cut through Jamaica by Hurricane Melissa.

Organisers of a relief effort, including the Jamaican Association (Bermuda), reported an overwhelming response by the Bermuda community in donating essential goods to Jamaica.

The Bermuda drop-off point at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church remains full of leftover donations.

Talks are in progress for a potential second delivery to Jamaica — either by air or by sea.

Dwayne Caines, a representative of the One Love Bermuda Relief Effort which was formed after disaster struck the Caribbean island, stated: “What began as a simple call to help has grown into something extraordinary.

“Bermuda has shown the world what unity and compassion look like in action. I thank every person, company and volunteer who gave, packed or prayed — this is what one love truly means.”

Mr Caines travelled on the flight to oversee the handover to Jamaican officials.

He said he was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Government and non-profit organisations.

The BermudAir flight carried a massive consignment of disaster relief supplies collected on Sunday and Monday.

Donations poured in at the church on King Street, where community volunteers worked tirelessly to organise, sort and prepare the goods, which included nonperishable food, bottled water, clothes, shoes, toiletries, bedding and tools.

The facility was filled twice over before the aircraft departed.

Adam Scott, the founder and chief executive of BermudAir, said: “From the moment this idea took flight, our team understood it was about more than logistics — it was about love and humanity.

“We are deeply honoured to have played our part in connecting Bermuda’s compassion with Jamaica’s resilience.”

The One Love Bermuda Relief Effort thanked HM Customs Bermuda, Security Associates, Menzies Aviation and the truckers and volunteers who pitched in behind the scenes.

Special acknowledgement was also extended to BermudAir’s flight crew and operations team for care and co-ordination throughout the mission.

Bermudian schoolchildren wrote dozens of letters to students and families in Jamaica that will be delivered to affected schools, reinforcing the emotional connection between the two island nations.

During the trip, one Bermudian left stranded in Jamaica by the storm was able to return home safely on the return leg of the flight.

Efforts are under way to secure a cargo jet and shipping containers to continue transporting aid from Bermuda.

Relief items in Jamaica will be distributed through Food For The Poor Jamaica, the country’s largest charitable organisation.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board donated medical supplies as part of the effort to help equip Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, which was devastated by the Category 5 storm.

The BHB used the BermudAir aircraft to send items the hospital needed most, including sterile single-use needles, gloves, masks, surgical gowns and coveralls.

A spokeswoman for the BHB said: “At least 200 BHB staff have direct links to Jamaica, so this hurricane, while farther afield, impacted our hospital family.

“After losing the Continuing Care Unit during Hurricane Gonzalo in 2014, BHB can sympathise with the Black River Hospital staff, who are working hard to deliver care to their community despite the hardships they are facing.”

Will Spriggs and Quinton Husband, Year 13 students at Warwick Academy, spearheaded a relief initiative at their school to help the effort.

“Our community showed real heart,” a school representative said.

“The generosity and speed of the response reflect the values we aim to instil in our students — empathy, initiative and global citizenship.”

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