Stronger Together: MSBM Community Shows Support and Solidarity

Responding to Immediate Needs

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has brought significant hardship to members of our University community, particularly those residing in western Jamaica and other severely affected parishes. Many of our students and staff endured considerable loss and disruption. In recognition of this, the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) mobilised a coordinated outreach effort to ensure that our community was supported through this unprecedented crisis. Within days of the hurricane, Dr David McBean, Executive Director, visited the Western Jamaica Campus to deliver care packages to the staff members and also to view the damage to the facilities. 

Care Packages Delivered to Graduate Students and Staff in the West

Upon learning of urgent needs affecting graduate students in western Jamaica, the School initiated a care package programme designed to provide immediate relief. On Friday, November 28, a team led by our Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mrs. Marvia Grant-Henry, and Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Indianna Minto-Coy, journeyed to the Western Jamaica Campus (WJC) to deliver the packages.
The initiative was supported by dedicated WJC staff who worked tirelessly to contact graduate students, gather information on their most urgent needs, and assist with distribution. Their leadership and compassion have been exemplary, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity that defines MSBM.

Supporting Undergraduate Students Through Pelican’s Nest

Our outreach also extends to undergraduate students, many of whom continue to experience significant challenges. MSBM has partnered with the UWI-led relief initiative Pelican’s Nest, donating items to strengthen their support offerings. This collaboration ensures that affected undergraduates have access to essential supplies, particularly those who have lost resources due to displacement or home loss.

Additionally, for students residing on campus who originate from impacted parishes, the School continues to support the monthly FSS Food Cupboard—now expanded to include an increased variety of items to meet heightened need during this recovery period.

Financial and Institutional Support Measures

Understanding that recovery is not solely physical but also financial, MSBM implemented several targeted measures:

• Payment plan deadlines have been extended to January 31, 2026, giving affected students additional time to meet tuition obligations.
• A financial grant was provided to staff members whose homes were damaged, to support immediate repairs and safety needs.

These interventions were structured to ease short-term hardship while enabling academic and operational continuity.

Appreciation to Our Donors and Internal Contributors

Importantly, our relief efforts would not have been possible without the generosity of MSBM staff, faculty, and administrative teams. Many stepped forward to donate food items, toiletries and emergency supplies. We are deeply grateful for this response and acknowledge the empathy and humanitarian spirit demonstrated.

Upholding Our Values: Service, Integrity, and Social Responsibility

This collective response reinforces who we are as an institution, one committed not only to academic and professional excellence, but to humanity, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship. MSBM remains dedicated to shaping leaders who serve and inspire, particularly in times of adversity.

Together, we continue to embody our commitment to People, Purpose, and Progress.

MSBM-Leading Through Knowledge. Transforming Through Service.