Allison Alexander, a hotel bar attendant in St Ann, Jamaica, faced unimaginable devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, flattened her home while she was tending to tourists. Now, she and her seven-year-old daughter are among the countless Jamaicans left homeless by the disaster. Alexander’s home, a two-bedroom wooden structure, was completely destroyed, with a fallen tree crushing its walls and scattering her belongings. Despite her personal loss, Alexander remained dedicated to her job, ensuring the safety and comfort of hotel guests throughout the storm. She shared her harrowing story with the Jamaica Observer, revealing that she and her daughter now have nothing but the clothes on their backs. The hotel provided temporary shelter for staff and their families during the hurricane, but Alexander is uncertain about her next steps as the arrangement is set to end. She expressed frustration over the inadequacy of her minimum wage salary, which she says is insufficient to rebuild her life. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged to increase the national minimum wage, but for Alexander, the immediate need for shelter and basic necessities remains urgent. She has appealed for help, stating, ‘If anybody can help me, please, I am begging you. I don’t have anything.’