On October 28th, 2025, Hurricane Melissa — a devastating Category 5 storm — made landfall in Jamaica, causing widespread destruction across the island. Among the hardest hit was the Accompong Maroon community in St. Elizabeth, a sovereign Indigenous nation whose people have preserved their independence and cultural identity since the abolition of slavery.

The Iroko Community Alliance (ICA) stands in solidarity with the Accompong Maroon State Administration as they begin the challenging process of rebuilding their homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The Maroons’ long history of self-sufficiency, resilience, and resistance deeply aligns with ICA’s own values, making this partnership both meaningful and essential.

We will be spending time with residents in January 2026, working directly with community leaders and elders to provide support where it is most urgently needed. A community elder has shared with us a list of critical emergency items, and ICA is committed to helping ensure these needs are met as swiftly as possible.

How You Can Help

We are encouraging supporters to donate directly to the community’s official relief effort.
Please contribute here:
👉 https://gofund.me/a2e066ccd

Every donation directly supports emergency supplies, rebuilding efforts, and the restoration of essential community resources.

Why This Matters

The Accompong Maroons are not only an Indigenous people — they are guardians of a unique cultural heritage, protectors of ancestral lands, and a living testament to resistance and independence in Jamaica. Standing with them in this moment of crisis means preserving history, culture, and community strength for generations to come.

ICA is honoured to support the Accompong Maroon people and invites all allies, partners, and friends to join us in this effort.

Hi, my name is Fay McIntosh and I reside in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. I am a Director of Iroko Community Alliance (ICA), a newly formed Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to supporting the Black & African Community within Kirklees. Many of the people we serve have roots in the islands of Carriacou & Petit Martinique, and as such, ICA is committed to supporting the rebuilding of our overseas communities.

My family hails from Carriacou, and I feel a deep connection to the island. Hurricane Beryl tore through our beloved south-eastern Caribbean on Monday, making landfall on Carriacou and Petit Martinique. As the earliest Category 4 storm in the Atlantic, it was fueled by record warm waters and caused significant destruction.

In just one hour, our 13 square miles of paradise were devastated. Homes lost doors, windows, and roofs, and while some concrete houses still stand without roofs, many wooden homes have been completely destroyed. We’re still waiting to hear about any potential fatalities and the full extent of the damage.

With telephone, internet, and electricity still down, communication remains a challenge. Here in the UK and around the world, we’re feeling helpless but determined to make a difference. This fundraiser aims to provide much-needed support to those who have lost their homes and belongings.

Let’s come together to help our friends and neighbors rebuild and restore the community that means so much to us. Every contribution counts and will go directly to those in need. Thank you for your support and generosity! Donate here https://gofund.me/1c6ad1ed

UPDATE

We raised £844.00. Thank you to all our donors and supporters.

The iRoko Community Alliance (ICA) invites you to attend our interactive Community Engagement Forum, to be held on Sunday 28th July 2024, 4:30 to 6:30pm at Northfield Hall, Huddersfield.

To reserve your place, you need to reserve a eventbrite ticket so search for “iRoko Community Alliance” on Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-the-iroko-community-alliance-tickets-910447592257?mipa=ABIdvVtJV6P5OuEyVDdnx-gNpx4tdIUkSgPVlQ9c8c82sKx1bluf2Tc4okLT9DqtkIKxGHAdARXjXwJ4V8q0FIZR9DRdf844cY9Nwlk1hGmkxWOqIu0ZOW7hOtR9oGEI2HnDWaZ3WOZr3J01nT2P9e5mFDAt8WEu5nis9JbNda23eWb34V_gFc7gA8ERv16lCDR2KZGfK04buKWoE2Qn_vqgml3i9T9gRECjaVYH55vzSiWkJKigkVWHnhZkrBQ8LeG7Fbe3AO5_HWTuB_p5WJ_RekFpeRpkgA

Introduction to the iRoko Community Alliance

Come join us for an exciting event where you can learn all about the Iroko Community Alliance! Whether you’re new to the community or a long-time member, this is a great opportunity to get involved, have your voice heard and connect with like-minded individuals.

To be held at Northfield Hall, on Sunday 7th April 2024, 4.30pm to 6.30pm so make sure you mark your calendars.

Register your place via Eventbrite Link here

Our skills exchange partnership programme with Cloverleaf, over 330 people registered their interest in City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy, an introductory qualification for participants who are interested in acquiring knowledge about the role of an Independent Advocate. We were overwhelmed by the amazing response and have received far more enquiries than the available spaces.

Shar Simpson officially started work in her new position as a self employed Consultant as the Community Development Officer for the Iroko Community Alliance working in partnership with Amber and Greene