Attendees invited to bring hurricane supplies Sunday November 9th in Miramar
As Jamaica recovers from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is turning its annual celebration into a rallying point for relief. Organizers have partnered with Connex Air Cargo and SSMC Xpress International Couriers to collect and deliver critical hurricane supplies to communities hardest hit by the storm.
The festival—known as the largest celebration of Caribbean culture, cuisine, and music in the U.S.—returns Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Miramar Regional Park. This year, attendees are being asked to bring donations of non-perishable food and other essential supplies to the SSMC Xpress booth during the event. Items will be airlifted to Kingston by Connex Air Cargo and distributed across Jamaica, with a focus on rural western communities that suffered the most severe damage.
“The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival has long been a cherished gathering for Jamaican and Caribbean culture, and this year’s Festival means more than ever,” said Eddy Edwards, President and CEO of Jerk Festivals USA, in a press release. “As our island home recovers from unimaginable devastation, we’re calling on South Florida to stand with Jamaica. ‘Wi likkle but wi tallawah’ is more than a beloved Jamaican saying—it’s at the core of Jamaica’s indomitable spirit.”
Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair echoed the urgency of the effort, emphasizing that recovery efforts require global support.
“The need is urgent—for food, shelter, and the rebuilding of lives. Jamaica is hurting, but we are a resilient people,” Mair said in a press statement. “I urge everyone in South Florida to give what they can to help our families and communities rebuild an even stronger Jamaica.”
Through this collaboration, the festival is tapping into the strength of the Caribbean diaspora in South Florida. “Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Jamaica,” said Luke Hamilton, Chairman of Connex Air Cargo. “This partnership is more than logistics—it’s about community, compassion, and connection.”
SSMC Xpress will manage the collection and consolidation of donated goods before transport. “We are committed to deploying our resources and working diligently to support hurricane relief efforts,” said Christopher Morris, Florida Operations Manager for SSMC Xpress. “Together, we will facilitate rebuilding and recovery. It is the right thing to do.”
The first flight carrying food, water, clothing, and hygiene supplies is expected to depart Miami in the coming days. All efforts are being coordinated with Jamaican authorities and trusted local partners to ensure swift and effective distribution.
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival takes place Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1 to 10 PM at Miramar Regional Park (16801 Miramar Pkwy, Miramar, FL 33027). For tickets and more information, visit jerkfestival.com.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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