Medical Relief Brings Hope to Bluefields as St. John Ambulance and JN Teams Support Residents

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a wave of relief and compassion reached Bluefields, Westmoreland, where residents are still grappling with the storm’s destruction. For many, including Oral Fraser—who has been sleeping on a mattress in his kitchen since October 28—the arrival of medical volunteers was a welcome moment of care and reassurance.

Fraser was among 109 residents who received medical attention at Belmont Academy over the weekend from more than 140 volunteers and professionals from St. John Ambulance Jamaica, supported by teams from the JN Foundation. Together, they have treated close to 1,000 people across Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth since the hurricane’s passage, addressing minor injuries, chronic illnesses, and the needs of those who lost their medication when homes were damaged.

“A little after the eye passed, it was like the hurricane turned back,” Fraser recalled. “The wind came with a roar, swirling everything. All we could see was white. Then, houses started collapsing all around us.”
Amid the chaos, Fraser fell and injured his left knee while trying to get his wife and grandson to safety. Only the concrete sections of his home—the kitchen and bathroom—remained standing.

He received medication for swelling and pain, along with an X-ray referral. With the Black River Hospital currently prioritizing emergency cases, he was relieved to have some immediate support. “I’m grateful for the help and grateful for life,” he said.

His story mirrors those of others in the community. Georgiana Walker, a mother of four, was treated for severe pains after her house collapsed on her during the storm. Patsy Campbell’s 16-year-old granddaughter received urgent care for a sprained ankle and a cut that was beginning to show signs of infection.

Dr. Lazarus Davids, a volunteer with St. John Ambulance Jamaica, said the outreach offered both medical relief and emotional comfort. “Providing treatment and helping those who ran out of their medication will go a long way in lifting community spirits,” he noted.

Alongside the medical effort, residents received care packages organized by the JN Foundation. A generator and Starlink satellite setup, provided with assistance from the Jamaica Automobile Association, allowed families to charge their phones and reconnect with loved ones—something many had been unable to do since the storm.

For JN volunteers like Tajmarie Marsh and Shamoy Martin, the experience was deeply meaningful. “Hearing the residents’ stories is heartbreaking,” Marsh said. “Being here is my way of helping.” Martin added that watching community members finally receive care was “an emotional moment.”

Omar Wright, who leads Environment and Community Development Programmes at the JN Foundation, said the organization would continue supporting affected parishes. “Many residents were injured or ran out of medicine, and this initiative is one way we’re helping at this time,” he shared.

Amid loss and uncertainty, the presence of medical teams and volunteers brought comfort, care, and a renewed sense of hope to Bluefields—one small but vital step on the long road to recovery.

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