Months after hurricane Melissa damage impacted sections of western Jamaica, some communities are still working to rebuild.
In Shrewsbury Logwood, Westmoreland, a small early childhood school that serves as a lifeline for local families is now in urgent need of restoration. Answering the call is CX CARES, a network of travel professionals working alongside local partners to rebuild the school and support the community it serves.
Operating under the simple premise that “travel should leave a positive impact, not just memories,” the non-profit group will travel to Jamaica this May to help restore the school and get children back into the classroom.
A Small School with a Big Role in the Community
The Shrewsbury Logwood Early Childhood School serves approximately 15 to 20 children between the ages of three and six. While modest in size, its importance extends far beyond the classroom.
For many families in the area, the school marks the beginning of a child’s educational journey—a space where early learning, care, and community come together. Despite longstanding challenges with infrastructure and limited resources, teachers and parents remain deeply committed to the school and to supporting the children int he community by creating opportunities for their growth.
That commitment is now being strengthened by this timely initiative. The community, grateful for the support, has expressed deep appreciation for CX CARES and its role in helping them rebuild and overcome these challenges:
“I’m very grateful for the CX CARES family and what they’re doing and continue to do for my community… They’re currently working on getting the early childhood school refurbished, which was destroyed by the hurricane. I really appreciate the help and look forward to seeing my community, Shrewsbury Logwood, rebuilt.” — Shackira Hayes, Community Member
Rebuilding After Hurricane Damage
The school, still not fully restored after severe hurricane-related damage, is struggling to reopen its doors. One of the most critical priorities has been rebuilding the roof—an essential step not only for safety, but also for restoring consistent access to electricity.
Beyond the roof, the school requires:
- Structural repairs and painting
- Electrical work
- Restoration of classrooms and kitchen facilities
- Basic furnishings such as desks, chairs, and tables
- Learning tools including whiteboards, computers, and educational materials
These are not luxuries but rather the foundations of a safe, functional, comfortable and supportive learning environment.
A Coordinated Effort Across Borders
The non-profit’s goal is to continue sharing these stories of rebuilding and to bring awareness to these communities long after the headlines have faded. As Chief Impact Officer Tracy Mueller explains, “Our goal is to keep Jamaica at the forefront—because these families and children deserve more than partial recovery. They deserve to be fully restored, supported, and never forgotten.”
To that end, the team will be on the ground in Jamaica from May 28 to 31, 2026, to carry out key phases of the project.
The initiative is supported by a growing network of partners and contributors, including:
- MaplePalm Jamaica, led by Matteo Sacco, coordinating roof repairs in advance
- Cobian Roofing and Construction Ltd
- MangoPass Jamaica Limited
- Routes Transport
- GGA & Associates
Additional support has come through donations of school supplies from organisations such as Sons of Italy and CanBilt Canada, while Reggae Tours, led by Gregg Connell, has played a key role in logistics, collection, and distribution efforts on the ground.
Hospitality partners including Iberostar Resorts, Ocean Resorts, and RIU Resorts have also provided accommodation support, allowing the team to focus their efforts directly within the community.
Beyond the School: Supporting the Wider Community
Beyond Shrewsbury, the team is also supporting rebuilding efforts in nearby Darliston, where many families are still living without reliable electricity. CX CARES and its partners have continued to deliver essential supplies to the area, including food, clothing, and sanitary items—along with small but meaningful gestures such as birthday gifts for children.
To date, approximately US$10,000 worth of supplies has already been mobilised for distribution across these communities and the wider Westmoreland area.
However, the need remains significant. As the upcoming project approaches, the team is aiming to raise an additional US$20,000 minimum by mid-May to continue providing support and especially to complete the work at the school, and secure the remaining materials.
For Jamaicans in the diaspora, this presents a tangible opportunity to give back—particularly for those with roots in Westmoreland or surrounding communities.
Support can take several forms:
- Financial contributions
- Donations of school or building supplies
- Sharing the initiative with family, friends, and networks
Those interested in contributing can visit www.cxcares.org or email help@cxcares.org for more information on how to get involved.
“The Impact We Leave Behind”
At its core, this initiative highlights how different professional groups and individuals in Jamaica and across the diaspora are, in their own way, joining hands to give back to the island. For CX CARES, Jamaica is not just a prime travel destination, but a collection of unique and vibrant communities whose collective hospitality and warmth have long shaped the island’s appeal. As such, they are deserving of sustained investment.
As Mueller puts it:
“Travel is more than the places we visit… it’s the impact we leave behind in the communities that welcome us.”
For the children of Shrewsbury Logwood, that impact will be measured not only in repaired buildings, but in opportunity, stability, and the promise of a stronger start.
And for those watching from abroad, it is a reminder that even from a distance, meaningful change is always within reach.
