A major fundraising appeal has been launched in Bangor to support communities in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa, with a special charity evening announced for Wednesday 26 November at 7pm at Berea Newydd, Bangor (LL57 2AQ).
The event, organised by the North Wales Jamaica Society (NWJS), will feature performances by the Encôr Choir and the popular Welsh group Hogia’r Bonc, alongside guest contributions and presentations placing the relief effort in context. Tickets are priced at £10, with additional donations welcomed on the night.
The appeal comes after members of NWJS were forced to cut short a cultural and historical study visit to Jamaica just days before the Category 5 hurricane made landfall at the end of October. The storm caused widespread destruction across several parishes, including Clarendon, where homes, schools and community buildings suffered severe damage.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Pennants District, where resident Leonora Headley’s home was left without a roof and flooded by torrential rain. In the immediate aftermath, Regional Director of Education Barrington Richardson mobilised teams of principals and school staff to deliver essential supplies and assist in clearing debris so schools could reopen safely.
The North Wales Jamaica Society had welcomed Richardson and a delegation from Pennants to Wales earlier in October as part of the Building Bridges of Friendship project, supported by the Welsh Government’s Taith programme. Their visit included exploring historical links between Jamaica and Wales, visiting Bangor University Archives, touring Penrhyn Castle, and meeting Vaughan Gething MS at the Senedd to discuss future collaborative links.
Now, with communities in Jamaica facing a long road to recovery, NWJS is calling on the public to show solidarity by supporting their fundraising efforts.
Further information about the appeal and the upcoming event can be found at www.nwjsonline.com.
