Arthur Blank Pledges $2.5M for Jamaica Relief

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, killing at least 28 people across the Caribbean (including at least four in Jamaica), flattening neighborhoods and overwhelming infrastructure. Tens of thousands are sheltering, and about 490,000 homes and businesses (roughly 72% of the island) remain without power while more than 130 roads are blocked, officials say. A broad relief response is underway: Samaritan’s Purse airlifted over 38,000 pounds of supplies, the U.S. military deployed personnel, and veteran and diaspora groups like Project DYNAMO and Global Empowerment Mission are coordinating deliveries. Philanthropic and private-sector aid has supplemented operations — Arthur Blank pledged $2.5 million to World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon, cruise lines and airlines donated funds and delivered supplies or waived fees, and artists and foundations (including Sean Paul) are raising and matching funds. Officials warn recovery will take months to years and will rely on continued international, local and private support.