The rural parish of St Elizabeth, located on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most destructive storms ever to hit the island. The Category 5 hurricane left a trail of devastation, uprooting trees, flattening homes, and severing communication lines. Residents are now embarking on the arduous journey of recovery, relying on community solidarity and government aid to rebuild their lives.
David Muschette, an 84-year-old resident of the Wilton district, narrowly escaped disaster when his home was reduced to rubble. Fleeing barefoot through flying debris and torrential rain, he sought refuge at his neighbor Pamela Heath’s house. Heath, herself shaken by the storm, provided him with shelter, dry clothes, and comfort. “Mi can’t take fi see the sufferation,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to helping those in need despite her own struggles.
The storm’s impact was felt across the parish, with many homes losing roofs and essential belongings ruined. Carnel Williams and his partner, Keisha Granville, lamented the loss of their home and possessions. Granville, who lost a leg years ago, expressed her frustration at being unable to move or contact her grandchildren. Neighbor Linoval Wright, whose house also lost its roof, described the storm as worse than Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, calling it “terrible.”
In response to the crisis, the Jamaican government established a National Hurricane Relief Committee, co-chaired by ministers Desmond McKenzie and Daryl Vaz, to coordinate rebuilding efforts. Regional support has also been mobilized, with Barbados dispatching a humanitarian team and supplies to assist in the recovery. Prime Minister Mia Mottley emphasized the importance of Caribbean solidarity, pledging continued cooperation through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
As recovery efforts continue, the resilience of St Elizabeth’s residents shines through. Despite losing everything, they remain determined to rebuild their lives, relying on the strength of their community and the support of their neighbors. “Everybody lose something,” Heath said, “But we still here.”