10/29/2025
UPDATE Jamaica -
***JAMAICA - HUMANITARIAN CRISIS***
Unfortunately after every disaster, we have to address several layers of misinformation that never fail to surface. First of all, beware of groups posing as charities asking for money while posting photos and videos generated by AI. The reason why they don't have any original or exclusive images is because they aren't on the ground, and they just share the first thing they find in a Google search or social media post to get attention, likes, clicks.
Second, there have been many statements shared that are downplaying the damage Hurricane Melissa has caused in Jamaica. Some of this comes from the track of the storm shifting further away from the main population center of the island, so naturally people think when there are less than anticipated fatalities (we still have no idea what the count is, and neither does anybody else), that the overall impact was minimal.
We have confirmed that the Montego Bay Airport has sustained significant damage, as well as several hospitals. Power blackouts and minimal communication capabilities are hampering the response efforts of our Task Force Jamaica as well as others.
Perhaps the most significant development we've learned as the sun came up is that St Elizabeth, Jamaica's second largest Parish, has suffered severe devastation. St Elizabeth is the agricultural hub of Jamaica, the bread basket, and is the main food source for the island. This means that the ability for Jamaica to generate their own food source could be significantly impacted for an indefinite time period.
Once the initial wave of search and rescue efforts are finished with their sweeps, we will start to see the problems devolve to short and long-term sustainability of human life. There are many nonprofits from the US as well as around the world like the United Cajun Navy who are responding to this crisis. One of the reasons we chose to make our headquarters at the Baton Rouge Metro Airport is so that we can quickly move cargo by land, air, or sea in an efficient manner. The U.S. State Department - OES keeps a network of supply warehouses strategically placed to facilitate quick responses to disasters such as this, and UCN is proud to be part of that network.
We appreciate the outpouring of support and offers of volunteers and donations for this mission. As always you can donate through our website at www.thecajunnavy.org or to our Amazon wish list at https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1ZGZLW8N84NO6?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_AJ9H1XEZTSXEZ7S7BE14&language=en-US
We are preparing with our special ops teams and partner organizations for additional deployment to Jamaica. We understand that many people would like to volunteer for this mission, but if you have not participated in one of our trainings during "blue sky" season, it is very unlikely that we will be able to include you on this deployment. All volunteers will need to be certified and badged by UCN, have a valid passport, and have updated immunizations.
Media: our ground teams in Jamaica are still not available for interviews. If that status changes we will make an announcement.
Thanks again to all of our friends and supporters who make our missions possible!