Santa Cruz resident says hometown is ‘unrecognisable’

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the town of Santa Cruz in a state of utter devastation, with one resident describing the destruction as ‘unimaginable.’ Yushaine Morgan, a local attorney and lifelong resident, shared his heart-wrenching experience with Observer Online, emphasizing the profound impact of the storm on his community. Morgan, who was seen wearing an ‘I love Santa Cruz’ shirt, explained that the garment symbolized his enduring hope and resilience in the face of catastrophe. ‘What we endured last night and yesterday surpassed anything we could have imagined, no matter how dire our predictions,’ Morgan recounted. He painted a grim picture of the town’s current state, noting that entire sections are now unrecognizable. ‘Roads have been obliterated, countless homes and businesses destroyed, roofs torn off, and many have lost vehicles and livestock,’ he added. Despite the overwhelming devastation, Morgan expressed his unwavering commitment to his hometown, stating, ‘I have no desire of ever vacating.’ The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding, with Morgan admitting uncertainty about where to begin the recovery process.