#EyeOnMelissa: Cassia Park residents on edge as landslide threatens their homes

Residents of Cassia Park in Kingston, Jamaica, are raising urgent concerns about a deteriorating breakaway in the Sandy Gully, which they fear could endanger their homes as Hurricane Melissa approaches. The issue first emerged during Hurricane Beryl last year and has since worsened, leaving the community vulnerable to potential landslides and property damage. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, including Member of Parliament Dennis Gordon, no substantial action has been taken to address the problem. Residents emphasize that their homes comply with building codes and are situated at a safe distance from the gully. However, the erosion caused by the breakaway has destabilized the hillside, putting their properties at risk. With Hurricane Melissa imminent, frustration and anxiety are mounting among residents, who feel neglected by their elected representatives. Efforts to seek assistance from government agencies, such as the Ministry of Local Government and the National Works Agency, have yielded no tangible results. The community now faces the grim possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods due to the lack of intervention.