In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon is walking a fine line between compassion and legal constraints as he seeks to assist Raquel, a single mother struggling to recover from the storm’s devastation. Raquel, who relocated to a concrete house in Catherine Hall, St James, before the hurricane hit, has been unable to afford the $40,000 needed to remove debris and stagnant mud from her property. The foul-smelling waste has rendered her home uninhabitable, forcing her and her six-year-old child to flee. Raquel’s catering business has also been severely impacted, leaving her financially strained. Despite the challenges, Mayor Vernon has pledged to find a solution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries. State resources, he explained, are allocated for public infrastructure, not private property. However, he has enlisted local representative Dwight ‘Debo’ Crawford to mobilize community support for Raquel. Vernon stressed the need to avoid misappropriation of public funds while ensuring that those in need receive assistance. Raquel’s plight highlights the broader struggles faced by Catherine Hall residents, many of whom are grappling with flood damage, debris, and disrupted livelihoods. During a recent town hall meeting, Vernon addressed these issues, discussing flood relief, water supply, and aid distribution. Raquel’s story underscores the urgent need for community-driven solutions in the face of natural disasters.