Belmont Academy gets support to sustain learning after Hurricane Melissa

Months after Hurricane Melissa devastated sections of western Jamaica, Belmont Academy in Bluefields, Westmoreland remains in rebuilding mode, supported by the goodwill of local companies, such as JN Money Services (JNMS).

Such partnerships are particularly important for the institution, given its relatively young age and, therefore, limited support from past students. The school was chartered in 2009.

“While the Ministry of Education has committed to addressing aspects of the outer physical infrastructure, many critical internal and programmatic needs are being met through our own efforts and the goodwill of partners, particularly important given that our alumni association is understandably young, relative to the age of the school,” disclosed principal of Belmont, Rayon Simpson.

During the Christmas holidays, the remittance company, which trades as JN Money, donated emergency supplies, including care packages and a generator, to assist the hurricane-impacted school and community through its Holiday Hope initiative.

Principal Simpson noted that the donations have been vital to sustaining operations at the school, which remains without access to electricity, three months after the fierce Category-5 hurricane devastated the school. The impact has also extended to the wider Bluefields community where the school is situated.

Beyond the loss of power, Belmont Academy, which serves approximately 1,100 students, lost roofs, windows and doors to critical areas, including all four science laboratories, the auditorium, tuck-shop, a stationery room and staff facilities.

The institution also lost approximately 50 computers, a server room, along with its farm housing and water storage facilities. Additionally, several books and materials in the library and book room were destroyed and machinery in the mechanical engineering department were also damaged.

Principal Simpson said recovery has been slow, but ongoing, with the school itself continuing to function as a hub of stability and support for the surrounding Bluefields.

“While progress has been made, approximately 35 per cent of windows and doors are still to be procured and installed,” he said.

Sharing that the relief items donated by JN Money were distributed with care and equity among teachers, students, non-teaching staff and parents who were most in need, he explained that JN Money’s donation brought reassurance and dignity at a time when many families were still struggling. He said the entire school community, including the students, 53 teachers and 35 non-teaching staff, continues to benefit from the support.

A LIFELINE

The principal described the generator as “nothing short of a lifeline” for the institution, noting that without electricity supply, the equipment is being used to power administrative operations, support Internet connectivity and allow teaching in specialised areas, such as information technology and AutoCAD to continue. It has also been assisting integrally with restoration activities on the campus by providing electricity for workmen conducting repairs.

Simpson also stressed that the assistance has helped the institution maintain support to its senior students during a critical academic period. The students were able to successfully register for external examinations offered through the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), City and Guilds, and the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

“JN Money’s intervention allowed teaching and learning to continue when it otherwise would not have been possible,” he said, adding that “the gratitude within the school community remains deep and genuine. Staff, students and parents continue to speak warmly of their kindness.

“JN Money’s support has left an indelible mark on our recovery journey, and its impact will be felt for years to come.”

Acknowledging the school’s various challenges, Sanya Wallace, assistant general manager, JNMS, revealled that the support to Belmont Academy was also particularly meaningful, as the school is a former winner of JN Money’s Back-to-School Jingle Competition.

“We were happy to distribute meals at the school and provide the emergency supplies, which continue to make a meaningful impact months later,” she said.

She said the donation by JN Money reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves and those in need of its help, adding that: “Our support is also part of JN’s broader effort to help restore hope, rebuild communities and help Jamaica build back better.”

The school and wider Bluefields community have been beneficiaries of other targetted support by the JN Group and JN Foundation, which has included first aid medical care, counselling and the provision of emergency supplies.