ST JAMES, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating winds that struck on October 28, the remarkable resilience of Trelawny educator and entrepreneur Joan Montaque has emerged as a testament to human spirit. Her residence in the Litchfield community collapsed during the storm, but her unwavering faith and community support have paved the way for unexpected opportunities.
Moments before the catastrophic structural failure, Montaque observed critical warning signs—sewage pipes fracturing and another bursting from the ground. Heeding these signals, she evacuated immediately with essential documents. ‘Divine guidance placed me where I needed to be to witness these warnings,’ Montaque shared with JIS News, reflecting on her narrow escape from what became a complete collapse of two concrete buildings.
Rather than dwelling on her losses, Montaque emphasizes the profound support system that mobilized around her. Neighbors arrived at dawn following the hurricane, expressing their solidarity. Her religious community and parents of her students have consistently offered emotional and practical support throughout her recovery journey.
The aftermath has revealed silver linings through institutional support systems. Montaque recently engaged with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Connect and GraceKennedy General Insurance initiative that conducted damage assessments and distributed insurance payouts to affected community members. This experience introduced her to agricultural insurance options and potential business development resources previously unknown to her.
Looking forward, Montaque anticipates leveraging these new connections to enhance her yam farming enterprise through advanced planting methodologies and improved marketing strategies. While rebuilding her home remains a primary challenge—exacerbated by looting of her business assets—she maintains optimistic conviction that positive outcomes will emerge from her hardships, inspired by biblical narratives of perseverance.