Dear Residents of Saba,
Hurricane Melissa had a severe impact on islands in the region, namely Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The storm is now heading towards the Bahamas. In the coming days more information on the impact of the hurricane will become available, as some parts of Jamaica for example are still without power.
Many of us on Saba have family ties, relatives and friends on the islands impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Some of us may be anxiously awaiting updates from our loved ones. Please let us as a community show our care and consideration to those dealing with this uncertainty in these difficult times.
The following organizations can be considered when you look for immediate ways to support ongoing relief efforts:
Hurricane Melissa | Disaster Response | Direct Relief
Donate now | UN World Food Programme (WFP)
As a general rule, sending money is the best way to effectively provide relief where it is needed most. Sending materials as private citizens may hamper timely and urgent distribution. Space to store supplies in ports is limited and supply chains are overburdened. Supporting professional organizations that are well positioned to respond to the current needs that are identified on site are therefore the most effective.
Let us be mindful and thankful that Saba has been spared the devastation as a result of hurricanes in more recent times, be prepared during the remaining of hurricane season, and show our support to our fellow Caribbean islands. The challenges the islands impacted by Melissa are facing will call upon the resilience of its communities, its strength and our wider solidarity. Let us as a community stand strong with them.
