Louisiana’s Cajun Navy delivers aid to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Louisiana-based volunteer force has gone global. The United Cajun Navy is now on the ground in Jamaica, coordinating relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that left widespread destruction across the island.
On Oct. 28, Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, making it the strongest storm ever to hit the country. The hurricane caused massive flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, cutting off entire communities from critical resources.
“This is a big humanitarian crisis that the entire world should be paying attention to,” said Brian Trascher, Vice President of the United Cajun Navy.
One of the hardest-hit regions is Saint Elizabeth Parish, located in the island’s southwest, Jamaica’s agricultural hub. Trascher said the area’s farmlands and livestock operations were “completely annihilated,” compounding food insecurity concerns in the aftermath of the storm.
The United Cajun Navy has mobilized to provide over half a million pounds of essentials, including food, water, clothes, and toiletries, to affected families. Crews are working alongside local partners to deliver supplies where they’re needed most.
“What we got in the background here is MREs, meals ready to eat,” said United Cajun Navy President Todd Terrell. “These are being dropped off into Jamaica not only for the people there but all of the volunteers’ needs.”
With roads and bridges destroyed, the group has turned to boats and cargo planes to transport supplies, a costly but necessary effort.
“It costs like $30,000 an hour to send a cargo plane anywhere,” Terrell said. “So if anyone is able to make monetary donations, you can go to unitedcajunnavy.com.”
Relief crews say they’re now focusing on reaching isolated communities still without access to food or clean water. The United Cajun Navy plans to remain in Jamaica, working with groups like The Moles of Tlatelolco as recovery efforts continue.
Supporters can donate directly or purchase items from the organization’s Amazon registry here.