In light of the looming threat of Hurricane Melissa, which has intensified into a Category 5 storm as it approaches Jamaica, community leaders in Chicago are rallying support for the island’s people. Among them, Martin’s International—a Chicago-based promotions and events organization founded in 1982 and deeply rooted in the Jamaican diaspora—has stepped into a coordinating role to assist Jamaicans affected by the storm.
Who They Are
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Martin’s International (MI) was established in 1982 and is known for producing major Caribbean-cultural events in the Chicago region, including the International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), the Chicago Music Awards (CMA), and other large gatherings.
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The organization is led by Ephraim Martin, a son of Jamaica living in the Chicago area, who has direct connections to the island and the local Jamaican expatriate community.
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MI’s network spans events, music, Caribbean cultural advocacy, and health-advocacy activities through the diaspora.
Why They’re Mobilizing
With Hurricane Melissa barreling toward Jamaica and expected to bring catastrophic winds and flooding, MI is leveraging its community ties to assist in relief efforts. Some key points:
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Jamaican-linked homes and communities in Jamaica may suffer severe damage, including leaking roofs, mudslides, flooding, and power-and-communication outages.
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Chicago’s Jamaican diaspora is reporting difficulty contacting loved ones in Jamaica, underscoring the urgency of organizing support channels.
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The Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Chicago has indicated needs will include generators, clothing, and supplies, once the storm passes.
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Martin’s International, as a well-known cultural organization with roots in both Chicago and Jamaica, is well-positioned to mobilize diaspora resources and relief logistics.
What the Plan Looks Like
While specific logistics are still developing, MI has outlined a framework for action as follows:
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Immediate monitoring of the storm’s progress and impact in Jamaica, including liaison with contacts on the ground and identifying the hardest-hit communities.
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Diaspora outreach in Chicago and greater Illinois to collect donations (monetary, in-kind) from Jamaicans, Caribbean friends, supporters and broader community who want to help.
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Supply chain coordination – once safe to travel/post-storm, organizing sending of essential goods such as tarps, blankets, clothing, potable water, power alternatives (generators) to Jamaica.
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Communication and advocacy – using MI’s event platform and cultural networks to raise awareness, pray for the island, and keep diaspora engaged.
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Post-storm support and recovery – not just immediate relief but follow-through for rebuilding, community restoration and psychosocial support for affected Jamaicans.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’re part of the Jamaican community, Caribbean network, or simply care about Jamaica’s wellbeing, here are ways you can support via Martin’s International:
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Reach out to Martin’s International via their website (martinsinternational.com) or their social-media channels to find current donation or volunteer opportunities.
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Share awareness within your network: Let friends, family, church groups, and diaspora organizations know about the relief effort.
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Consider in-kind or monetary donations: Even if you’re not physically sending supplies, funds can help MI purchase locally in Jamaica and minimize shipping delays.
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Stay connected to updates from Jamaica: Communicate with relatives, friends, or through MI’s network to assess real-time needs (e.g., what region is hit hardest, what supplies are most urgent).
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Be prepared for a long-haul relief effort: Recovery will take time, so matching the immediate response with sustained support will be important.
A Note on Timing & Sensitivity
Given the storm’s imminent landfall and rapidly changing conditions, MI’s relief plan is fluid. The organization emphasizes respect for local Jamaican authorities and the onsite community’s needs rather than a “fix everything” mindset. In the days ahead:
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Safety first: Wait for the all-clear from Jamaican authorities before sending people or bulk shipments.
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Stay flexible: Needs may shift from emergency supplies to rebuilding tools, infrastructure support or mental-health services.
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Coordinate: Duplication of efforts can create logistical problems (e.g., shipping items no longer needed). MI recommends aligning with official relief channels or diaspora networks already in motion.
Looking Ahead
As the storm lands and the cleanup begins, Martin’s International hopes to play a key role in bridging the Chicago Jamaican diaspora with communities in Jamaica. Their dual identity—as a U.S. cultural institution and as a Jamaican-rooted organization—positions them uniquely to lead this effort. For Jamaicans impacted by Hurricane Melissa, the support of the diaspora through MI is being framed not just as an act of relief, but as a reaffirmation of trans-national community, heritage and resilience.
