[PHOTO: Cheque presentation ceremony hosted by The Honourable Edmund C. Bartlett, MP]
MGM Muthu hotels demonstrates deep commitment to Caribbean communities in the wake of Hurricane Melissa
When Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica earlier this year, the impact extended far beyond damaged infrastructure. Families across Saint James Parish faced urgent challenges—particularly around education, welfare, and basic stability—at a time when community support mattered most.
MGM Muthu Hotels has responded with a significant commitment, donating sixteen million Jamaican dollars to the Saint James East Central Education and Welfare Fund. The cheque presentation took place on December 2, at a ceremony hosted by The Honourable Edmund C. Bartlett, Member of Parliament, marking one of the most substantial hurricane-relief contributions from an international hospitality company operating in the destination.
“This contribution reflects our commitment to the youth and families of East Central Saint James and is deeply rooted in our organisational values. At MGM Muthu Hotels, supporting our community and uplifting youth is not merely an aspiration; it is a responsibility we wholeheartedly embrace.”
Thamil Selvi, Chairperson, MGM Muthu Hotels
Six Decades of Hospitality Excellence
The donation reflects values that have defined MGM Muthu Hotels since its founding in 1963 by Dr. M.G. Muthu. Beginning with humble origins, Dr. Muthu built the organization on four guiding principles—truth, hard work, honesty, and faith—which continue to shape the group’s global approach to hospitality and community engagement.
Today, MGM Muthu Hotels operates a growing international portfolio spanning the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Cuba, and Jamaica, combining destination-focused hospitality with a long-term commitment to the communities in which it operates. For the group, responsible tourism is not a campaign message—it is a foundational operating philosophy.
A Growing Caribbean Presence
The company’s flagship Jamaican resort, Grand Muthu Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, has become increasingly relevant to the North American travel trade. Located along Jamaica’s north coast, the property offers an alternative to high-density resort corridors, appealing to travellers seeking an all-inclusive experience paired with a more relaxed, destination-driven atmosphere. With convenient airlift from major Canadian and U.S. gateways into Montego Bay, the resort is well positioned for Canadian travel advisors selling Jamaica to repeat Caribbean travellers. MGM Muthu Hotels also operates all-inclusive resorts in Cuba, further strengthening the brand’s appeal for Canadian agencies servicing sun-seeking clients across multiple Caribbean markets.
More Than a Donation
The J$16 million contribution will support three critical priorities within the Saint James East Central community:
- Immediate welfare assistance following Hurricane Melissa
- Rebuilding and sustaining educational opportunities
- Ongoing support for local education initiatives
The approach reflects an understanding that post-disaster recovery extends beyond physical rebuilding—it requires long-term investment in people, education, and opportunity.
For travel professionals, initiatives of this scale carry growing importance. As Canadian travellers increasingly ask how and where their tourism dollars are spent, verified community engagement from hotel partners has become a meaningful differentiator.
As Chairperson Thamil Selvi noted, the donation reflects the legacy of a self-made founder who believed success carries an obligation to uplift others. More than sixty years after its founding, that philosophy continues to guide how MGM Muthu Hotels operates—both in Jamaica and across its global portfolio.
For more information:
Thamil Selvi, Chairperson | chp@mgm.co.in | www.mgm-india.com
