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We’re deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and want to assure our employees, guests, and the broader community that we’re committed to supporting relief and recovery efforts.

Here’s what the Issa Trust Foundation and Couples Resorts are doing:

1. Distributing care packages with essentials like food, water, and batteries to all staff members affected
2. Providing temporary housing for over 100 employees who’ve lost their homes
3. As we anticipate that the island will not be able to receive visitors over the next two to three weeks, we will ensure that all staff wages are met during this period
4. Establishing a relief fund — already at US $223,500 and growing, thanks to your donations — in addition to a US $100,000 contribution from Couples Resorts, to aid employees with varying degrees of damage, categorized for fair distribution
5. Assisting employees with home repairs and rebuilding
6. Partnering with local suppliers, World Central Kitchen, and water suppliers to provide critical resources

We’re working tirelessly to overcome challenges and ensure transparent, equitable aid distribution. As more donations come in, the greater the support we can extend to our employees and their families as they rebuild their lives.

Thank you for your donations, compassion, generosity, and continued support during this difficult time. Together, we are making a difference.

Jamaican-owned hospitality group Couples Resorts has announced the launch of the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund to assist employees and nearby communities recovering from the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa.

“For more than 45 years, this has been a proudly Jamaican, family-run brand. When our community is hurting, we feel it deeply,” said Abe Issa, Deputy Chairman of Couples Resorts. “While we’re grateful our resorts were spared major damage, many of the incredible people who make them special have experienced real hardship. Through the Issa Trust Foundation, we’re committed to helping them recover and rebuild their lives.”

Although the company’s properties avoided major damage and are set to reopen on December 1, many of its team members suffered severe personal losses. The fund—established through the Issa Trust Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Couples Resorts—has already raised more than US$300,000, including a US$100,000 contribution from the company itself.

“For more than 45 years, this has been a proudly Jamaican, family-run brand. When our community is hurting, we feel it deeply,” said Abe Issa, Deputy Chairman of Couples Resorts. “While we’re grateful our resorts were spared major damage, many of the incredible people who make them special have experienced real hardship. Through the Issa Trust Foundation, we’re committed to helping them recover and rebuild their lives.”

The fund will directly support staff and families with housing assistance, essential supplies, and rebuilding efforts. Current relief measures include:

• Distributing care packages with food, water, and other essentials
• Providing temporary housing for more than 100 displaced employees
• Guaranteeing payment of wages for at least the next four weeks
• Offering repair and rebuilding assistance for damaged homes
• Partnering with World Central Kitchen, local suppliers, and water providers to deliver critical resources

“We’ve been deeply moved by the compassion shown by so many,” said Diane Pollard, President & CEO of The Issa Trust Foundation. “It’s a reminder of how much Couples Resorts means to people who want to give back. This is just the beginning—we still have a long way to go, and every contribution helps a family get back on their feet.”

Donations can be made at IssaTrustFoundation.com, with 100% of proceeds directed toward relief and recovery efforts.

While final damage assessments continue, Couples Resorts has temporarily paused guest arrivals to prioritize safety. The company plans to resume full operations on December 1, 2025.