Hello Friends of Jamaica –

I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Director of Grants at Friends of Jamaica! My name is Alyssa, and I’m thrilled to be joining this incredible organization. From 2016 to 2020, I spent a significant amount of time researching the salt industry in Jamaica – quickly becoming known as the Salt Woman. My research aimed to understand the implication of salt from an economic and cultural impact; looking at how salt influenced the development of cultural identity during the Atlantic Slave trade era to contemporary times, particularly among Maroons and Rastafari. Thereby, helping to document Jamaica’s history for all to learn and know.

While in Jamaica, I traveled and spent time in several parishes including, Westmoreland, Clarendon, Saint Catherine, Saint Andrew, Saint Thomas, and Portland. However, most of my time was spent in Bluefields, Westmoreland and in the Blue Mountains (Irish Town, Moore Town, and Old Tavern Coffee Estate). During my time on the island, I cultivated meaningful relationships with community members, friends, and colleagues, all who helped showed me the diversity of Jamaica and all the beauty that comes with it – along with the need to preserve, cultivate, and protect the land and its culture.

Today, I remain connected to the island through family, friends, and colleagues. Having married into a Jamaican family has provided me opportunities to continue involving Jamaican culture into my daily life; whether that be through conversations, stories, or the food we make – I have been told I make a mean beef patty and jerk chicken – Jamaican approved!

In my role, I’ll be working to find and secure grants that will support our ongoing projects—whether it’s funding educational opportunities for youth, helping local communities grow through sustainable development, or ensuring that Jamaicans have the resources they need to thrive.  As we near the end of the year, I’m reaching out to ask for your support. Your donation helps us fund

projects that truly make a difference in Jamaica—from providing school supplies to empowering local leaders and communities. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to the lasting impact we’re all striving for.

Donate Today

Thank you so much for your continued support. With your help, we’ll continue to empower communities in Jamaica and create meaningful change for years to come.