WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – Continuing its mission to support student-athletes affected by the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) recently completed its second major relief trip to Western Jamaica in two weeks. This latest mission focused on the parish of Westmoreland, targeting schools where the recovery process remains a steep uphill climb.

Restoring the Path to Competition

The JAAA delegation, led by Treasurer Ludlow Watts, invited four key institutions in the parish:

  • Manning’s School

  • Frome Technical High

  • Petersfield High

  • Godfrey Stewart High

The visit was specifically designed to address the needs of student-athletes and coaches whose training has been severely curtailed since the hurricane struck in October 2025. Beyond the immediate destruction of athletic facilities, the JAAA identified a critical barrier to education: many students lost their basic school uniforms and clothing in the storm.

Direct Assistance and Future Commitments

During the visit to Manning’s School, Mr. Watts highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing the student-athletes, including problematic transportation to training facilities and a lack of proper gear.

“We will be looking to see areas in which we can assist… we will be providing some assistance in terms of enabling them to compete in athletics further on and also in terms of providing a limited amount of uniform to enable them to attend school,” Watts stated.

The care packages handed over to the students contained essential items intended to bridge the gap while the schools and families work toward full recovery. Mr. Watts emphasized that while the association has always worked quietly in the background to develop athletes, the sheer scale of the devastation from Hurricane Melissa has prompted a more public and sustained effort to ensure no talent is left behind due to the disaster.

A Sustained Recovery Effort

This Westmoreland leg follows the JAAA’s initial trip to Hanover just one weeks prior. With all schools having resumed some form of operation as of mid-January 2026, the JAAA’s focus is now on ensuring that athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the upcoming championship season. By providing uniforms and exploring ways to facilitate competitive meets, the JAAA aims to “level the playing field” for those in the West who were disproportionately affected by the storm.