Issa Trust Foundation launches hurricane relief fund

Issa Trust Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Couples Resorts, has launched an emergency relief fund to support employees affected by Hurricane Melissa.

In a message to staff, guests, and the broader community, Foundation chairman, Paul Issa, said it has been distributing care packages, delivering essential items such as food, water, and batteries to all affected staff members. Issa said that there is also temporary housing for staff where the more than 100 employees who have lost their homes will be provided with temporary accommodations, as housing options are rebuilt and stabilised.

He added that with the anticipated slowdown in island visitor arrivals over the next two to three weeks, the Foundation and Resorts have pledged to meet all staff wages during this period, ensuring financial stability for employees and their families.

"We also have a relief fund and matching contributions in place. The relief fund has reached US$350,000 and continues to grow thanks to donations from supporters," Issa told JIS News.

"Coupled with a US$100,000 contribution from Couples Resorts, the Fund aims to assist employees facing varying degrees of damage. Aid will be distributed with clear categories to ensure fair and transparent allocation," he added. Issa noted that the Foundation is also coordinating assistance for home repairs and reconstruction, helping employees restore their living spaces and return to normalcy.

"We also have collaborations with local suppliers, World Central Kitchen, and water suppliers to provide essential resources, including meals and clean water, during the recovery period," he added.