Rohan Thompson, a temporary farm worker from Jamaica’s Clarendon parish, closely monitored the impact of the recent Category 5 hurricane on his homeland while working in St. Catharines, Ontario. Having been in Canada since April, he is due to return home in late November or early December. Thompson expressed his deep distress over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, particularly in St. Elizabeth, where his girlfriend resides. The hurricane, with wind speeds of 297 km/h, wreaked havoc in New Hope and Black River, leaving a significant portion of structures damaged, power lines down, and concrete buildings destroyed. Thompson, like many Jamaican seasonal workers in the Niagara region, is anxiously awaiting news about his loved ones and the extent of the damage in his hometown.
Dale Merrill, a resident with ties to Jamaica and co-owner of a construction company in the country, emphasized the need for support for Jamaican families affected by the storm. He highlighted the unprecedented destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, stressing the urgency of assistance for those struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Zepheniah James, a calypsonian based in Niagara Falls who witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, empathized with his fellow Jamaicans enduring the current crisis. He shared his personal experience of contacting his daughter in Montego Bay and discovering the severe damage to their home and business. James urged individuals to offer help to those affected by the hurricane, emphasizing the importance of community support during such challenging times.
In response to the disaster, Jane Andres from Niagara-on-the-Lake initiated a relief effort to gather donations for Jamaican seasonal workers in Niagara to bring back to Kingston. She highlighted the power outages and urgent need for essential supplies in the affected areas, advocating for increased luggage allowances to facilitate the transport of relief items. Despite logistical challenges, efforts are underway to provide assistance to the impacted communities and ensure the well-being of those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
As relief efforts continue, it is crucial for individuals looking to contribute to disaster relief to verify the authenticity of organizations soliciting donations. Chris Garwood from the Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton cautioned against potential scams and advised donors to utilize official channels endorsed by the Jamaican government to support the recovery efforts effectively. The government of Jamaica has established a dedicated platform for mobilizing support post-hurricane, underscoring the importance of verified channels for providing assistance to those in need.