Like thousands of Jamaicans, Ms. West’s life was left uprooted after the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October.

Having lost her home and her livelihood, there was little more than hope to survive on.

The long time Lotto player’s hope of turning her luck around came to life when she hit the $71M jackpot in January, three months after Melissa left her with nothing.

Seemingly overwhelmed by the sudden change in fortune, Ms. West who sometimes has to sleep in the ruins of her home expressed extreme gratitude for the winnings. “I lost everything in Melissa, furniture, clothes, everything and I didn’t know where to start to pick up back my life. I’m not so young anymore and things are getting even harder. This money come een like God send,” said the newest Lotto multimillionaire.

First on the list of things to do with the money is to find somewhere to live. “I’ve been staying with relatives and sometimes in the piece of the house that didn’t blow away. Now I can put on back my roof and start to get back on my feet. Thank you Jesus!”

Speaking at the official handover, Kajay Rowe AVP Marketing and Innovation said, “We’re in the business of making winners everyday, however, this latest Lotto multimillionaire feels a little more special. Hurricane Melissa took so much from so many people including our winner. We are very proud that these Lotto winnings will play a big part in helping them to rebuild and recover. This win will not only affect one life but will create a ripple effect in their community.”

This is the first Lotto jackpot hit for 2026.