Dear friend,

Happy New Year! And as we enter 2016, I want to begin by thanking you for standing up for Jamaica.

By adding your name to this petition, you chose not to look away. You spoke truth to power and refused to let the story of Hurricane Melissa be forgotten. That matters more than ever, and we are deeply grateful for your solidarity.

As you know, in late October 2025 Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica as one of the most powerful storms in the island’s history. Communities from Westmoreland to Kingston were devastated. Homes were destroyed, power and water supplies were cut, livelihoods were lost, and many families are still living with the consequences today. Tens of thousands of buildings were damaged and hundreds of thousands of people were affected.

Recovery has begun, but the scale of the challenge remains immense. UNESCO and other partners have started assessments to support long term rebuilding, including the restoration of cultural, economic and social life. Local organisations and communities are doing everything they can — but the truth is stark: recovery will take years, not months.

Here in the UK, the government has pledged emergency support. But the sums committed so far fall far short of what is needed, given the scale of the damage, the depth of human suffering, and the historical responsibility Britain carries. Campaigners and MPs are calling for increased financial support, humanitarian visas for those affected, and long term climate finance to help Jamaica build resilience for the future.

This is why your petition matters.

As we move into 2026, the world’s attention has shifted. New crises dominate the headlines. The Caribbean region faces growing instability. The UK is gripped by winter pressures. Jamaica risks falling off the agenda entirely.

We cannot allow that to happen.

As of today, 4,840 people have signed this petition. That is powerful — but it is not yet enough. If each person who has signed can persuade just one more person to sign in the next week, we double our strength overnight and reach a level that decision makers cannot ignore.

Here is how you can help right now:

1. Keep pushing the petition
Please share it again — directly, personally — with friends, family, colleagues, faith groups, unions and community networks. Personal asks work. If Jamaica matters to you, tell people why and ask them to act. If each of the original signatures can commit to securing just ne signature each - we can double our numbers. Please deliver on the small ask to help amplify our campaign, 

2. Circulate the Cardiff meeting
We are holding a public meeting on Saturday 17 January 2026, 2.00–4.00 pm, at Sanatan Dharma Mandal & Hindu Community Centre, Lewis Road, Cardiff CF24 5EB. Please circulate the flyer and details widely across South Wales, the north west  and beyond

3. Volunteer and organise locally
We urgently need people who can support this campaign remotely and online, helping to circulate the petition, coordinate networks, and keep momentum alive. If you are able to help, even a little, please reach out. If you would like to host or organise a local meeting in your area, we would be very keen to support you to do so. Jamaica must stay in people’s hearts and minds.

We are also exploring plans for a national speaking tour and a day of action targeting Parliament, calling on MPs to support increased UK assistance for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

In addition, we are considering hosting a wider conference on climate justice and international law, focused on Britain’s responsibilities to the Caribbean. Recent developments in international climate law, including the 2025 International Court of Justice advisory opinion on States’ obligations in relation to climate change, point to emerging legal pathways for accountability, repair and justice. We will share more on this soon and would welcome ideas, expertise and offers of support — including help identifying a suitable venue.

As we move into 2026 the worlds attention has now moved to issues such as Venezuela and Ukraine - we need you to  chose to stay with Jamaica. That choice still matters. Right now, you are the campaign.

Thank you for your time, continued commitment and patience - the race is not for the swift but for those who can endureth. 

In solidarity,
Lee Jasper