As Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, barrels toward Jamaica, Belizean students studying on the island are voicing their distress over the lack of support from their home country. The hurricane, described as the most powerful storm Jamaica has ever faced, has left many students feeling abandoned and unprepared. Among them is a Belizean mother who took to social media to express her desperation, pleading for assistance to secure shelter and essential supplies for herself and her two children. Despite her emotional appeal, no help has arrived.
Isareli Cal, a third-year law student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), shared that while the university has made significant preparations, including distributing care packages and securing the campus, the support from Belizean authorities has been minimal. Cal and other students have resorted to purchasing their own supplies to weather the storm.
In response to the crisis, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a fundraising initiative to provide financial aid to affected students. NSUB President Tomas Serrut emphasized the union’s commitment to supporting Belizean citizens during this critical time, calling on the public to contribute to their efforts.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Commonwealth Student Association, led by Ashley Langford, is coordinating with regional student organizations to gather resources and assist students in need. Langford highlighted the challenges students face in securing basic supplies and stressed the importance of collective action.
Despite the challenges, Belize’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica has opened her home to students seeking shelter, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Belizeans on the island are safe. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the Belizean community continues to rally together, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.