In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on communities across Jamaica, the Order of St. George has emerged as an international partner in the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance, mobilizing global networks to bring relief supplies to affected families, children, and vulnerable groups.
Founded in 1326, the Order of St. George is credited as the first Royal and Military chivalric Order. While rooted in centuries-old traditions of service and protection, the Order today operates as a modern 501(c)(3) charitable institution, with active commanderies across the United States, the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Turkey, and numerous other countries. Its work spans disaster relief, medical aid, refugee assistance, and veteran support in some of the world’s most fragile regions.
Over the years, the Order has secured millions of dollars worth of medical supplies for veterans and civilians in the Middle East, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, and at the outset of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, it played a pivotal role in the safe evacuation of more than 800 non-combatants from Ukraine, underscoring its operational reach and credibility in crisis response.
That global capacity was swiftly activated for Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Honourable Colonel Robert Soderstrom, Grand Prior of the Order of St. George for the Americas, responded immediately to a call from Robert Scott, Encampment Leader of the Order in Jamaica and Chief Operations Officer of Lifespan Co. Ltd. Scott, who previously served as Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica, had initiated a Memorandum of Understanding between the Order of St. George and the Consular Corps, specifically designed to enable rapid humanitarian coordination throughout the region in moments of national emergency.
Within days, the Order leapt into action.
To date, the Order has facilitated two major humanitarian shipments, each weighing over three tons, destined for Jamaica. The most recent consignment was delivered to the Miami warehouse of Food For The Poor, one of the region’s most trusted humanitarian logistics partners.
The relief supplies include:
• Over 1,800 bottles of infant formula
• Hundreds of hygiene kits
• More than 1,000 items of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
• 150 pairs of shoes
• 1,000 diapers
• Critical medical supplies
“These are not abstract acts of charity; these are tangible interventions that translate directly into dignity, health, and hope for families who have lost so much,” Scott said. “The Order of St. George exists precisely for moments like this. Our formal partnership with the Consular Corps, and the immediate response of Hon. Colonel Soderstrom and the international leadership of the Order, demonstrate what is possible when global solidarity meets local leadership.”
Scott added that the response reflects Jamaica’s strong standing within international humanitarian networks and the importance of pre-established institutional relationships in accelerating disaster response.
As recovery efforts continue, the Order of St. George has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Jamaica through additional relief coordination and longer-term recovery initiatives, once again demonstrating that centuries-old principles of service and chivalry remain powerfully relevant in addressing modern humanitarian crises.