Redditch rallies around relief effort for Jamaican twin

People in Redditch have come together in a show of solidarity to support urgent relief efforts in hurricane-stricken St Elizabeth, Jamaica, a community twinned with the Worcestershire town. 

The St. Elizabeth area, twinned with Redditch Borough since 2006, has been hard hit, with local towns like Black River and Brompton suffering extensive damage and loss after the category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the island with 185 mph winds. 

Local businessman Damian Simpson, of D&D Roofing Supplies, originally from Black River, is leading a grassroots campaign in Redditch to collect and ship essential supplies to affected families. 

With infrastructure destroyed and many residents left without shelter, Damian and colleagues are heading over to the area in person to donate their efforts to rebuilding and are taking aid barrels with them. 

Essential items being collected for the barrels include rice, sugar, flour, tinned goods, pasta, toothpaste, batteries, and sanitary products.  

Damian said: “A lot of us in Redditch know people who are affected by this. Every contribution helps big or small. Thank you to everyone who has donated or is thinking of donating. A lot more is needed and you’re very welcome, please just come talk to us.” 

The campaign, just launched, has seen generous support from local businesses and organisations including Redditch Masonic Lodge, Isaac’s Food Bank, TJ Security Systems, Huws Gray Redditch, and Paul Hodgkins. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who is helping. 

Donations can be dropped off until Saturday November 15 at D&D Roofing Supplies, 6A Millsborough House, Lodge Road, B98 7AL, or Greenlands Business Centre, Studley Road, Redditch B98 7HD. 

Redditch’s longstanding community ties to St. Elizabeth, where a friendship link was first established in 1990, have seen Redditch Borough Council also join the appeal, with the authority providing additional collection points and promotional support.  

Cllr Monica Stringfellow, Portfolio Holder for Community Services and Safeguarding Responsibilities, added: “It is wonderful to see so many people coming together to support our Jamaican community and that this Council is a part of that.” 

For more information or to get involved, please contact Damian on dd.roofingsupplies@gmail.com.