TRELAWNY, Jamaica — International sprint superstar Usain Bolt shared a message of hope with Jamaicans on Sunday, commiserating with persons affected by Hurricane Melissa which destroyed large swathes of western Jamaica.

“I have seen all the videos…and people always say it is so much more different when you see it in action,” Bolt said in a video shared to X.

The sprinter revealed he had just returned to the island and just gotten a chance to see the destruction left behind by the category five hurricane.

The multiple Olympic medallist, who is from Trelawny, one of the parishes that was badly affected by Hurricane Melissa, spent the day distributing care packages at his alma mater, William Knibb High School, which was also damaged by Melissa.

“On the way up…at the riverside, you see a lot of people washing, it’s hard to put into words how I feel about what I am seeing, but Jamaica, I am here to help in any way possible,” he said.

Bolt doubled down on his promise in the caption to his video.

“J A M A I C A, You all gave me the chance to represent you on the world stage — to wear our colours with pride, show the world the strength, resilience, and the heart of our people. Everything I’ve achieved started right here at home. Now, as so many of our children, brothers and sisters face the hardships caused by Hurricane Melissa, please know — We are right here with YOU. We are STANDING together, REBUILDING together, and reminding the world that JAMAICANS never leave each other behind,” he captioned.

Usain Bolt visited his native parish Trelawny to hand out care packages following the passage of Hurricane Melissa

Usain Bolt’s and members of his team prepare care packages for handout in his native parish Trelawny following the passage of Hurricane Melissa

Usain Bolt speaks to a World Central Kitchen employee following the passage of
Hurricane Melissa