As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of St Ann, particularly fishermen and craft vendors, are making urgent preparations while grappling with the looming threat. On Sunday afternoon, amidst grey skies and persistent rain, Harold Bloomfield, a seasoned fisherman, voiced his concerns while cleaning a marlin. ‘I’m going to lose a lot of fish pots and other things, but I’m just bracing for it. I’m trying my best to survive,’ he said, reflecting the somber mood among locals. Bloomfield acknowledged the inevitability of the storm, stating, ‘We can’t stop God’s work. It’s going to hit us hard, but we have to stand strong.’
Nearby, Dennis Gordon, a vendor at the Ocho Rios Craft Market, was busy securing his goods under tarpaulins. He expressed anxiety about the hurricane’s potential aftermath, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Gilbert in the past. ‘When it passes, the place will be locked down—no tourists, no business. It will take us a long time to recover,’ he said. Gordon’s fears are echoed by meteorologists, who warn that Hurricane Melissa could bring catastrophic flooding and landslides to the island.
The community’s resilience is being tested as they face the dual challenge of safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring their safety. Fishermen were seen pulling their boats ashore, while others reinforced their homes and businesses. The memory of past hurricanes looms large, with many hoping that Melissa’s impact will not be as severe. As the storm nears, the island remains on high alert, with residents doing their utmost to prepare for the worst while clinging to hope.