St. James, Jamaica — January 5, 2026 - The Digicel Foundation on Thursday, January 5, 2025, presented $13 million in Hurricane Relief Grants to five schools across western Jamaica, supporting critical recovery efforts following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Four schools each received $2.5 million, while Unity Primary was granted $3 million due to the severity of its infrastructural loss. The recipient institutions included Anchovy Primary (St. James), Esher Primary (Hanover), Unity Primary (Westmoreland), Falmouth All-Age (Trelawny), and Black River Primary (St. Elizabeth).

In her remarks, Charmaine Daniels, CEO of the Digicel Foundation, applauded educators for their resilience in the wake of the storm. “Just two days after Hurricane Melissa passed, our team was on the ground visiting communities and schools across western Jamaica. Amid the flooding and uncertainty, what stood out most was your strength,” Daniels said.

“Today’s grants represent an investment in your ability to rebuild stronger and restore safe, functional learning spaces for our children.”

Daniels also announced the Foundation’s commitment to fully renovate and restore two Smart Labs, at Unity Primary and Esher Primary, that were severely impacted by the hurricane.

“Melissa taught us that rebuilding must be done with greater intention. We’re strengthening the climate resilience of our Smart Labs, including constructing on slab-top roofs,” she noted.

The Foundation further revealed that additional funding has been allocated for the 2026–2027 financial year to repair or replace tablets, laptops, smart boards, printers, and other digital devices damaged across Smart Labs islandwide.

The handover event, held at Anchovy Primary School, also saw the Foundation distributing 50 hardware vouchers valued at $1.5 million to teachers whose homes were significantly affected by the hurricane. “We know many of you are still rebuilding your lives, yet continue to show up for your students every day,” Daniels said.

Dr. Michele Pinnock, Regional Director for the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information (Region 4), praised the Foundation for its steadfast support. “Many schools in our region suffered immense damage, and the Digicel Foundation’s swift response restored hope when it was most needed,” she said. “This partnership ensures that no child is left behind, even after disaster strikes. These grants will help us rebuild learning environments, morale, and stability.”

She added, “Our educators have worked tirelessly to bring normalcy back to their classrooms. Today’s support shows that when the Ministry, community, and private sector collaborate, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries.”

The Foundation’s school grants form part of its broader national hurricane‑response programme. Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, the Foundation has distributed more than 7,000 care packages, including water, nonperishable food items, and solar lamps, and has provided over 700 hardware vouchers across 45 affected communities.