Canada Caribbean Area Convention
November 14 - 16, 2025
Negril, Jamaica
From the perspective of PIP Joan Wilson
The much-anticipated CAC Area Convention took place in Negril, Jamaica from November 14 to 16, despite the recent devastation from Hurricane Melissa (Category 5) less than three weeks earlier. Approximately 35 members from Canada, Uganda and Jamaica came together to joyously celebrate YMI - a movement that cares for one another and serves those in need.
Almost all the attendees from Jamaica had been battered by the hurricane - some losing part or all of their roof, others lost their whole home, but no one lost their life, or that of a family member. Almost all continued to have no power or water, and many still had not been able to get a temporary cover for their leaky roof. But they all opted to leave their own clean up efforts to enjoy fellowship with their YMI friends, and to help in recovery work in the community. Included in the Jamaican delgates were a number of teenagers and several children - all eager to participate and serve. Amazing!
Convention Attendees
Along with the six Canadians in attendance were three Ugandans. One was James Kizito, a BF ambassador, along with two other members of his Kampala Club (Nelson and Ronald). These non-Jamaican delegates, who flew into this devasted nation believing that it was very important to support our Jamaican friends, came bearing suitcases full of supplies to be sorted, repacked and delivered to needy families. Likewise, Canadian members contributed financially, and almost $14,000 CAD ($9,600 USD) was handed over to the Jamaican leaders to use in their support work following the convention. Added to that was $500 USD from the Ugandan delegates. Donations from the US Area and the IP Emergency Fund added to the funds available to support the needy.
Gifts from the Canadians. These items went into care packages distributed in Westmoreland and St Thomas. The local Jamaican clubs added to this and we were able to reach over 100 families.
The convention program was drastically changed from the original one, which had been carefully planned, so that we could put in significant time in actual hands-on recovery work. However, we did have our opening ceremony and dinner on the pool deck at the Coco La Palm resort on Friday evening. And on Saturday evening we once again ate poolside, with opportunity to hear from outgoing AP Sandra Hamilton, and to have a number of awards presented. Notably, long-service awards went to Mrs. Wright and Mrs. MacDonald from Jamaica, and to Dave Hall from Canada. Saturday evening wrapped up with a Canadian camp-style sing along. Sunday morning included some reports, a speaker on the environment in Negril, words from AP Cliffonie Brown, AYR Malik and BF James.
On Saturday, the delegates split into two groups and headed off to help with the clean up of two very different sites. The first was into the hills to a remote small school, where delegates cleaned up debris around the building. The second was to the “Source”, and outreach community center built by and run by the Savanna La Mar Y’s Menette’s. Here much work was done making a few large piles of roof material and tree branches for future pick up, as well as cleaning the two large meeting rooms and removing any destroyed furniture and equipment. The Y’s Menette’s of CAC contributed funds specifically to support the recovery of this building. All the delegates worked very hard in the Jamaican heat to do what they could towards recovery. Although there remained so much more to do, it was a good feeling to contribute even a little.
Joan and BF James taking a break during clean up activities at the Source during day 2 of convention activities
Sunday afternoon, after the official closing of the convention, a few Canadians and Jamaicans travelled into some of the devasted locations to deliver bags of supplies. At every stop, the people receiving these bags, often a coordinating person like a pastor or a boss in a work site, spoke of the suffering of the people and how much they would appreciate these gift bags. Many more bags were reserved to be distributed in the remote countryside and mountains where no help has yet reached them.
The Jamaican members went back to their homes, with little or no roof, power or water, and continued their own clean up and recovery. But they are already developing a plan of action to make effective use of the funds provided - likely by adopting a single remote village and bringing in needed resources and materials to make a real difference there - and will be acting on this very soon. While our YMI members are few in Jamaica, their passion is remarkable. They are demonstrating what it means to live service in action. A huge thank you to each and every one of them for all they did for a wonderful convention, and for their ongoing work to help others affected by the Hurricane.
