The community has answered a call to help people in Jamaica, where parts of the country have been devastated by Hurricane Melissa last week.

More than 180 volunteers came out at the weekend to support the Bermuda-Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Relief project, organising an array of donations to be flown to the Caribbean island by BermudAir.

By yesterday afternoon, the organisers told the public that they had already reached their “critical limit” for donations of clothing and bottled water because of the “overwhelming” support.

Instead, they called on the public to donate toiletry items such as soap, toothpaste and feminine hygiene products, first-aid supplies, baby essentials, batteries, camping supplies, flashlights, solar lamps, nonperishable food and cleaning supplies.

Dwayne Caines said the show of support had been amazing, with organisations and volunteers from all walks of life coming together to lend a hand.

He said: “Everyone has come to say they want to be a part of this dynamic expression of giving.

“This shows that in Bermuda we care. We care local, but we also recognise that there is an opportunity to help our brothers and sisters in Jamaica who have seen some significant trauma over the last few years.

“Donations just keep coming in. There is a line of traffic out there.”

Mr Caines noted that the organisers are working with Food for the Poor Jamaica to make sure that the donated goods go to those who need them.

He added that in addition to medical supplies, sanitary products and nonperishable food, camping supplies could have a great impact on the lives of those hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

Mr Caines said: “It might sound strange, but a lot of people are displaced and are living in tents.

“Bermudians know what we need because we have been here before. Tarpaulin, ropes, tents — anything to help those who have been displaced.”

He added that while Bermuda has been fortunate, the community knows all too well the impact that a hurricane can have.

Mr Caines said yesterday: “Bermuda is sensitive to this kind of tragedy. We know what it is to sit under the winds in a storm for 12 hours.

“We know the fears and the uncertainties. We know what it does to children.

“What we don’t know is what it’s like waking up and seeing nothing.

“We have a very strong diaspora in Bermuda with Jamaicans and West Indians living in the community, and many of them are out today.”

Additional donations will be collected at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church on King Street between 8am and 6pm today.

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