HARTFORD, Conn. — After the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, members of the Jamaican community in Connecticut are stepping up to help those affected back home.

A Hartford native and his nonprofit organization are deploying to Jamaica this weekend to contribute to on-the-ground response operations following the Category 5 storm.

Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic damage earlier this week, leaving many families without homes, power or access to clean water. Relief efforts are underway as international aid teams begin their work.

Michael Basset, the World Vision’s Humanitarian Emergency Affairs director and a Hartford native, has spent more than a decade helping communities recover from natural disasters. He says the situation in Jamaica presents unique challenges.

See Full Page