标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, is witnessing a remarkable community-driven recovery effort, spearheaded by local businesses and supported by law enforcement. Superintendent of Police Coleridge Minto, the commanding officer for the St Elizabeth Division, has expressed his gratitude towards Alcor Windows and Doors and Ripton Construction for their collaborative efforts in providing housing solutions to the hurricane-affected residents of Parottee. The companies have distributed nearly a hundred mattresses and are offering additional support through solar lighting installations and counseling services facilitated by a chaplain. Minto emphasized the importance of such partnerships during this challenging period, acknowledging the contributions of local, regional, and international stakeholders. He also highlighted the parish’s significant progress in reducing crime, with only 13 murders recorded since the start of the year—the lowest in 25 years. Major crimes, including robberies and shootings, have seen a decline, although break-ins experienced a temporary spike earlier in the year. Minto assured that looting incidents reported shortly after the hurricane are now under control, with the community focusing on cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Loyce Pace, the Americas Regional Director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has emphasized the critical need for sustained global attention and resources to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer on Tuesday, Pace highlighted the unprecedented devastation caused by the Category 5 storm, which struck the island on October 28, ravaging its southern and western coasts.

Pace, who recently conducted a reconnaissance mission to assess the damage, described the scenes as akin to a forest fire or tornado, with entire fields flattened, trees stripped bare, and even robust buildings reduced to rubble. She stressed that while the Jamaican government has been proactive in securing disaster risk financing, including catastrophe insurance from the World Bank, the scale of destruction—equivalent to nearly a third of the country’s GDP—demands far more substantial and prolonged international support.

She noted that while initial global aid has been ‘incredible,’ sustaining this assistance is crucial, particularly during the long-term recovery phase, which could span years. Pace also praised the resilience of Jamaicans and the tireless efforts of local Red Cross volunteers, many of whom are personally affected by the disaster yet continue to serve their communities.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently estimated the damage at $6 to $7 billion, representing 28-32% of Jamaica’s GDP. Pace urged patience, acknowledging the challenges of rebuilding from the ground up while commending the unity and determination of the Jamaican people in the face of such adversity.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Bounty Hall, Trelawny, Jamaica, U.S.-based businesswoman Cynthia Baker, known affectionately as “Blossom,” has emerged as a beacon of hope for storm victims. Returning to her homeland shortly after the disaster, Baker was deeply moved by the widespread displacement and hardship she witnessed. Initially planning to extend her own home in the Stonebrook housing development, she swiftly redirected her resources to aid those in dire need.

Baker repurposed building materials she had purchased for her home to assist in rebuilding efforts for families whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed. She also acquired over 100 sheets of zinc and plywood to further support these initiatives. Many displaced residents were temporarily housed at the Bounty Hall Primary School, which had been converted into a shelter. Recognizing the inadequate sleeping conditions—with families forced to sleep on desks and cardboard—Baker reached out to City Furniture in the U.S., where she resides. The company generously donated 50 mattresses, which Baker personally funded to ship to Jamaica.

She praised the Jamaica Customs Agency for their efficiency in expediting the clearance of the shipment, ensuring the mattresses reached those in need promptly. Beyond providing building materials and bedding, Baker and her children have been distributing care packages door-to-door, ensuring assistance reaches the most vulnerable.

One of her most significant contributions has been the reconstruction of a home for an elderly couple who lost everything during the storm. This project was a collaborative effort involving her family and supportive community members, including a young builder named Thaddeus, who took time off work to help.

Dotlyn Palmer, the recipient of the newly built home, expressed profound gratitude, stating that no amount of money could compare to the relief of having a safe place to live. Recalling the harrowing experience of the hurricane, Palmer shared how she and her partner narrowly escaped tragedy, spending subsequent nights sleeping on cardboard on cold concrete.

Baker’s unwavering commitment to her community has not only provided immediate relief but also restored hope and dignity to those affected by the disaster. Her actions stand as a testament to the power of compassion and community-driven support in times of crisis.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought torrential rains to Jamaica’s south-west, residents in affected areas have found an unexpected lifeline in the form of newly surfaced springs. With tap water supplies disrupted, these natural water sources have become vital for hydration and daily needs. Popular spots include a pool in Seven Rivers, which has overtaken a major thoroughfare, and a spring near the under-construction Montego Bay bypass in West Green. While the springs have been celebrated for their beauty and utility, Peter Clarke, managing director of the Water Resources Authority (WRA), warns they are temporary and may pose health risks. Clarke explained that the springs emerged due to the ground’s saturation from heavy rainfall and will likely disappear as the water table recedes. He cautioned against consuming untreated water, noting potential contamination from nearby pit toilets or agricultural activities. Despite their temporary nature, the springs have provided a crucial stopgap for residents as national water systems recover from storm-related damage. Clarke emphasized that while the water can be used for domestic purposes after boiling, it should not be considered a long-term solution or tourist attraction.