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Latest News International News North & East Environment Social Love Horse Racing World Champs Commonwealth Games FIFA World Cup 2022 Entertainment Art & Culture Tuesday Style Food Awards JOL Takes Style Out Design Week JA Black Friday Relationships Classifieds Motor Vehicles Place an Ad Jobs & Careers Study Centre Jnr Study Centre Advertorial Supplements Latest News International News North & East Environment Social Love Horse Racing World Champs Commonwealth Games FIFA World Cup 2022 Entertainment Art & Culture Tuesday Style Food Awards JOL Takes Style Out Design Week JA Black Friday Relationships Classifieds Motor Vehicles Place an Ad Jobs & Careers Study Centre Jnr Study Centre Advertorial Supplements International News Food Awards Entertainment World Champs Career & Education Environment Advertorial Supplements Classifieds Design Week Thousands of Jamaicans in the south-western part of the island lost or sustained severe damage to their homes during Hurricane Melissa. (Photo: Gavin Jones) Latest News, News BY KEVIN JACKSON Observer Writer November 11, 2025 Couples Resorts, Issa Trust Foundation launch disaster relief fund With the focus on helping their team members navigate the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Couples Resorts has also sought to help the communities in which they operate. A relief fund that has been set up has so far raised more than US$350,000. Although the resorts were spared major damage and are preparing to reopen next month, many of the company’s team members and their families have suffered tremendous personal losses. To provide immediate help, the Issa Trust Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Couples Resorts, has established the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund. Through generous support from friends, guest, and partners, the fund raised thus far, includes US$100,000 cash donation from Couples Resort. “For more than 45 years, this has been a proudly Jamaican, family-run brand. When our community is hurting, we feel it deeply,” said Abe Issa, deputy chairman of Couples Resorts. “While we’re grateful our resorts were spared major damage, many of the incredible people who make them special have experienced real hardship. Through the Issa Trust Foundation, we’re committed to helping them recover and rebuild their lives.” Every dollar donated will go directly toward helping affected team members and surrounding communities rebuild homes, replace essential items and regain stability. The relief efforts include the distribution of care packages with essentials such as food and water and providing temporary housing for more than 100 of its employees who lost their homes following the passage of the hurricane. “We’ve been deeply moved by the compassion shown by so many,” said Diane Pollard, president and chief executive officer of the Issa Trust Foundation. “It’s a reminder of how much Couples Resorts means to people who want to give back. This is the just the beginning with a long way still to go, so continued contribution, no matter the size, helps a family get back on their feet.” In a video message sent to Observer Online, Paul Issa, chairman of Issa Trust Foundation thanked those who have so far contributed to the disaster relief fund. “On behalf of the Issas Trust Foundation and of all of our staff members at Couples Resorts, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our disaster relief fund at IssaTrustFoundation.com To date, we have raised over US$350,000 and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed but as you know, the need is great,” said Issa. He continued, “We are currently housing over 100 staff members who have lost their homes, and we are assessing the damage so that we can best help them to rebuild their homes. I also want to thank the construction crews who have offered to come down and give their services. Please keep the momentum going. We’re very grateful to you.” Tags: Couples Resorts Hurricane Melissa Issa Trust Foundation {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} 0 Comments · Make a comment ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER Latest News, News NWC restores water to 72.6 per cent of customers November 11, 2025 KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Water Commission (NWC) has restored supply to 72.6 per cent of its customers across Jamaica. Providing the update dur... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} Latest News, News Labour ministry warns against fraudulent TikTok account using minister’s image November 11, 2025 KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is alerting the public to the unauthorised and fraudulent use of video images of... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} International News, Latest News Panama seizes tons of US-bound cocaine, arrests 10 November 11, 2025 PANAMA CITY, Panama (AFP)—Panamanian authorities on Tuesday announced a large seizure of US-bound cocaine on a ferry in the Pacific, at a time Washing... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} International News, Latest News Widespread power outage hits Dominican Republic November 11, 2025 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AFP)—Santa Domingo found itself without electricity Tuesday as the Dominican Republic's energy company announced a ... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} Latest News, Sports Rico Henry travels with Reggae Boyz squad to T&T ahead of World Cup qualifier November 11, 2025 New Reggae Boyz recruit Rico Henry traveled in the 26-man squad to Port of Spain, Trinidad on Tuesday for Jamaica's FIFA World Cup qualifier against T... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} Latest News, News, Sports Seville donates $500,000 to support farmers after Hurricane Melissa November 11, 2025 Jamaica’s 100m world champion Oblique Seville has donated $500,000 towards the United Way Jamaica Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund to primarily ass... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} Latest News Forex: $160.82 to one US dollar November 11, 2025 KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Tuesday, November 11, ended trading at $160.82, down by 6 cents, according to the Bank of Jamaica... {"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"} HOUSE RULES We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. 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