The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce is exploring a dedicated youth development committee that would coordinate its members’ support for SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica and other youth-serving organisations, Chamber president Jason Russell said on September 24.

Russell outlined the idea at Community Connect 2026, a stakeholder forum hosted by the charity at the White Witch Golf Course. It was the second staging of the series. Business leaders, hoteliers, development partners and donors attended.

Russell said the aim is to replace ad hoc giving with something consistent that outlasts individual donations or events. An annual youth-focused initiative is being considered as an alternative. Meaningful change “requires more than responding to a need once a year,” he said.

Proposed activities include fundraising, mentorship, career exposure, entrepreneurship and employability sessions, and outreach to high schools. Russell also wants SOS alumni involved, saying their achievements can show younger people what is possible with the right backing.

SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica provides family-style care for children who cannot live with their biological families. It also runs programmes to keep vulnerable families together, and offers education and youth development support aimed at preparing young people for independent adulthood.

Village director Hewitt Walker said the organisation “cannot do it alone” and depends on businesses and individuals to help give children stability and opportunity. Sean Patrick, the charity’s fund development and communications advisor, said needs continue after an emergency ends and that the group is looking for partners prepared to commit beyond the initial response.

That appeal has sharpened since Hurricane Melissa, which added pressure on families across western Jamaica and required rebuilding at the SOS Children’s Village in Montego Bay.

Tourism operators have stepped in to help. Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, first vice-president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), said the association’s Montego Bay chapter has partnered with the charity on recovery. She credited Half Moon, Secrets St. James, Secrets Wild Orchid and Breathless Montego Bay with recently supplying resources and furniture for the village.

The charity said it is continuing hurricane recovery work with caregivers, families and partners while maintaining its longer-term programmes. It is seeking additional corporate and individual partners across the island.