ROJ Pledges $18 Million to Help Jamaicans Recover From Hurricane Melissa
Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), the local franchise operator for KFC and Pizza Hut, has pledged $18 million to support recovery efforts across Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The powerful Category 5 storm, which hit the island on October 28, brought winds of up to 185 mph, damaging homes, businesses, and key infrastructure in several western parishes.
ROJ’s donation will include both cash and meal support for families and communities affected by the hurricane. The funds will be directed toward government agencies and nonprofit organizations actively leading recovery operations across the island.
“Jamaica is our home, and we are deeply committed to helping our people rise again,” said Mark Myers, ROJ’s managing director, in a statement shared with the Jamaica Observer.
Supporting Local Organizations and Families Affected by the Storm
According to ROJ, the donation will be distributed among several key community organizations, including The Salvation Army Corps in St. James, Westmoreland, and Trelawny; Manning’s Boys Home and St. Matthew’s Mothers’ Union in St. Elizabeth; as well as Windsor Lodge Children’s Home and Friends in Need in Manchester.
The company also emphasized its commitment to supporting its own team members impacted by the storm. “While we support ongoing national relief efforts, one of our main priorities also remains assisting members of our ROJ family who have been negatively affected,” Myers said.
He added that ROJ has already activated internal relief programs to help employees most in need, ensuring that the company’s workforce—spread across more than 40 KFC and Pizza Hut locations—can recover alongside the communities they serve.
Continuing a Legacy of Giving Back
This is not the first time ROJ has stepped up for Jamaica. Earlier this year, the company marked its 50th anniversary by donating $7 million to support 14 children’s homes across the country. That initiative focused on improving living conditions for young Jamaicans and providing resources for caregivers who dedicate their lives to nurturing the next generation.
“For five decades, Jamaicans have embraced and supported us,” said Andrei Roper, ROJ’s marketing manager. “This donation is our way of expressing gratitude—by investing in the younger generation and the dedicated caregivers who work tirelessly to shape brighter, more hopeful futures.”
Hurricane Melissa’s Aftermath and the Road to Recovery
Hurricane Melissa left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, overwhelming roads, schools, and housing infrastructure in western parishes like Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth. Thousands of residents remain displaced, and rebuilding efforts are ongoing.
While ROJ’s contribution represents a major boost to national recovery, experts estimate that billions of dollars will be needed to restore homes, businesses, and public systems across affected regions. Still, efforts like these reflect the growing sense of corporate responsibility and community unity that has defined Jamaica’s response to the crisis.
“Acts of generosity from Jamaican-owned businesses like ROJ remind us that our strength lies in solidarity,” said a representative from The Salvation Army. “Every meal served, every dollar donated helps a family rebuild hope.”
Continuing Jamaica’s Spirit of Resilience
As rebuilding continues, ROJ’s leadership hopes its contribution will inspire other organizations to join in supporting those most affected. The company’s partnership-driven approach—balancing corporate aid with community support—underscores its long-standing belief that Jamaica’s progress depends on collective care.
“The best is yet to come,” Myers affirmed. “We are standing with Jamaica not just to rebuild structures, but to rebuild lives.”
