Angostura, with the support of the Seprod Foundation in Jamaica has marked the official handover of the first completed house, under their long-term Hurricane Melissa recovery initiative.
The newly completed house, located in Seaford Town, Westmoreland Jamaica, was presented to the Simpson-Whyte family, whose home was destroyed during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Since the hurricane, the family had been living in a temporary shelter, while awaiting the opportunity to rebuild.
This handover is the first of four housing interventions which will be delivered through the Angostura-sponsored recovery programme, which is currently helping families in Seaford Town and Crawford, St. Elizabeth regain safe, secure housing and rebuild their lives.
“After everything we went through, there were times we wondered if we would ever have a place we can call home again,” said Alvin Whyte, the recipient of the house. “Living in a shelter is difficult, but today our family is turning a new page. We are grateful to Angostura and the Seprod Foundation for giving us the opportunity to start over in a place we can once again call home.”
Lisa D’Oyen, Executive Director of the Seprod Foundation said, “This first home represents exactly what this partnership was created to achieve. Recovery goes beyond replacing what was lost. It is about restoring stability, dignity and hope to families as they rebuild their lives. We are proud to partner with Angostura to deliver meaningful support where it is needed most and to ensure recovery reaches those who continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Melissa.”
For Angostura, the handover reflects the company’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts that create lasting impact across the Caribbean region.
Angostura’s Chairman, Mr. Gary Hunt indicated, “The road to recovery following Hurricane Melissa requires sustained commitment, meaningful partnerships and a focus on long-term outcomes. Supporting communities in times of need is central to Angostura’s values. Through this partnership with the Seprod Foundation, we are investing in more than homes. We are investing in the wellbeing and future of families affected by Hurricane Melissa. We remain committed to standing with these communities throughout their recovery and rebuilding journey.”
Angostura’s CEO, Mr. Ian Forbes further expressed, “At Angostura, we believe Caribbean communities are strongest when we support one another. Seeing this family move from temporary shelter into a safe home is a powerful reminder of the difference, collective action can make in people’s lives. The true measure of recovery is families returning to safe, secure homes. Moving from uncertainty to stability is what this journey is about, and we are proud to support it.”
This housing initiative forms part of the wider Angostura and the Seprod Foundation, Hurricane Melissa recovery programme. It was built on three pillars: housing recovery for displaced families, animal welfare support delivered in partnership with the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) and small business recovery.
Through the partnership, four families are receiving houses, twelve shopkeepers and bar owners have been provided with building materials to repair and reopen their businesses and animal welfare initiatives continue to support vulnerable dogs in hurricane-affected communities.
Together, Angostura and the Seprod Foundation are restoring hope, supporting recovery and building stronger, more resilient communities for the future.