“Jamaica survived the hurricane”- Justin Gatlin makes an appeal as citizens call out for help after devastating effects of the calamity

As the Jamaican citizens cried out for help to recover from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, Justin Gatlin urged fans to make donations. Hurricane Melissa left the island nation in a devastating state.

The hurricane hit the Jamaican coast on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, near New Hope, with the wind speed reaching 300kmph. The hurricane entered "extreme rapid intensification" mode before leaving the Jamaican island to hit Cuba. The calamity left the island in a wrecked state, including power outages and disturbed communications networks.

Sky News documented the plight of Jamaican citizens, who survived the devastating disaster, in which one of the survivors highlighted the current dire state.

"It is heartbreaking. I never thought in a million years that I would be in this situation, trying to get help, and with no communication, no official, no emergency teams. The best help we have received after the hurricane is from the security personnel."

The survivor added:

"We are just not sure what to expect from this. It feels like a total reset for us right now. A total reset. And I'm hoping and praying that help can reach us soon."

Former American sprinter Gatlin called on fans to make donations for recovery on his Instagram story and wrote:

"Jamaica survived the hurricane, but a lot of people are suffering and need medical assistance, clothes, and toiletries. If you have to give, please do!! Good people help good people."

Screenshot of Gatlin's Instagram story.

Before Gatlin, his former competitor, Usain Bolt, also appealed to fans to contribute.

Justin Gatlin opens up on Usain Bolt's impact on his career

Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin during the Beijing 2015 IAAF World Championships. (Photo by Getty Images)

Justin Gatlin once opened up about the effect of Usain Bolt on his career, stating the Jamaican made him a better athlete and person. He also highlighted the moment when Bolt praised him for keeping the sport interesting.

“After we left the sport, there was a realisation that Bolt helped me become a better athlete, and vice-versa. Bolt even went on record to say that I pushed him (to get better), especially at a point when he felt like the sport did not excite him. It was exciting for me to go up against Bolt. Most other athletes may have feared Bolt’s consistent success on the world stage, but this only made me want to grow as an athlete and as a person. It made me work harder." (via sportstar.thehindu.com)

Bolt defeated Justin Gatlin in the 100m at the 2013 Moscow and 2015 Beijing World Championships. The American redeemed himself against the Jamaican star in the event at the 2017 London edition.

Edited by Janhavi Shinde