The Social Development Commission (SDC), in partnership with the Amity Community Outreach Group, will host a one-day Health and Social Service Fair in St. Leonards to deliver urgent care and support to residents still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the St. Leonards Primary School in Westmoreland from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the fair will bring essential services directly to this rural community, eliminating the barrier of a 30‑mile trek to the nearest hospital. On event day, attendees will have access to rapid blood glucose and blood pressure checks, school medicals, general consultations, and mental health counselling. In addition, the fair will facilitate on‑site registrations and screenings for critical social programs including PATH, the National Insurance Scheme, and social pensions, alongside housing support, farm assistance, and the distribution of relief packages. These services are being coordinated with eight government entities and two private‑sector organizations, ensuring a comprehensive, integrated response.
“Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, our most vulnerable residents have faced immense difficulties in accessing basic health and social services,” said Kerean Stephenson, Parish Manager for the SDC in Westmoreland. “This fair is about bringing help directly to the people who need it most, eliminating the barriers of distance and cost. We are committed to ensuring every resident receives the support they need to recover and rebuild.”
The fair is free and open to all residents of St. Leonards and surrounding areas, with special attention to the elderly, persons with disabilities, children, and low‑income households. Beyond immediate relief, the initiative aims to strengthen community resilience, improve health awareness, and foster lasting partnerships among service providers for sustained recovery.
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