博客

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the coastal town of Whitehouse in Westmoreland, Jamaica, has been reduced to a scene of devastation and despair. The Category 5 storm, which struck last Tuesday, has left the once-thriving fishing and tourism community in ruins. Homes have been obliterated, power lines are tangled across streets, and families are now huddled under makeshift shelters. With no access to electricity, running water, or immediate relief, residents are grappling with the harsh realities of survival.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation across Jamaica, Reverend Al Miller, a prominent clergyman, has urged citizens to view the disaster not as divine punishment but as an opportunity for unity and renewal. Speaking during a service at Fellowship Tabernacle, Miller emphasized that God does not cause destruction but is present even in chaos. He encouraged Jamaicans to rise above despair and support those affected by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck last Tuesday, leaving a trail of death and destruction.

Miller drew a parallel between human sin and natural disasters, suggesting that humanity’s moral corruption can provoke nature’s reaction. However, he clarified that such reactions are not meant to destroy but to prompt correction and change. He urged congregants to focus on the light within the darkness, reminding them that God can transform adversity into hope.

The two-hour service included moments of worship and prayer, with the congregation expressing gratitude for their survival. Church members also prepared care packages for affected areas, particularly the western parishes of St James and St Elizabeth, which bore the brunt of the hurricane’s impact. Miller highlighted the heartbreaking stories of those who lost everything and called for collective action to rebuild the nation.

Miller emphasized the role of the Church in mobilizing support, noting that the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches is coordinating efforts to deliver aid to 5,000 individuals daily. He urged Jamaicans to unite, stating that the disaster presents a unique opportunity to address long-standing issues and foster national solidarity. ‘This is our time to care for each other and rebuild our nation,’ he declared.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, two sisters have been undertaking a daily journey through waist-deep floodwaters to deliver food and comfort to their elderly grandmother and her sister. The sisters, aged 16 and 23, who chose to remain anonymous, described their arduous trek as a duty to their relatives, who are currently sheltered at Lacovia Primary School. The family resides in the Slipe community, which remained inaccessible due to floodwaters, fallen trees, and debris as of last Friday. Despite the challenges, the sisters have been cooking meals at their undamaged home and carrying the food through the hazardous conditions to the shelter. The elder sister expressed exhaustion and pain from the journey but emphasized the necessity of their efforts. Meanwhile, 82-year-old Mehela Drummond has been caring for her 86-year-old sister Olive Hall, who requires assistance with daily tasks. Drummond recounted the terror of the hurricane and how she held her sister close during the storm. The family is still awaiting assistance from authorities, as no help has arrived since the hurricane struck.

A devastating fire at 8 Heroes Circle in Kingston on Sunday left more than 10 houses destroyed, rendering numerous residents homeless. Among the victims was Kim, who shared her harrowing experience with the Jamaica Observer. Despite the tragedy, Kim remains resilient, holding onto a semi-charred Bible salvaged from the ashes as a symbol of hope. ‘Hurricane Melissa didn’t destroy us, but this fire did,’ she lamented, reflecting on the loss of her home and belongings. Kim recounted that she was preparing dinner when she noticed smoke emanating from another part of the yard, which housed over 40 people. Efforts to locate the source of the smoke were futile, as the flames rapidly consumed the property. While some residents managed to save a few possessions, Kim lost everything. Yet, she remains steadfast, declaring, ‘Once there is life, there is hope.’ The community now faces the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amidst the aftermath of the blaze.