After over 24 hours since Hurricane Melissa ravaged Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, Chris Garwood was still attempting to reach his mother and sister living in St. Elizabeth parish. Originally from St. Elizabeth, known as Jamaica’s primary agricultural hub, Garwood has been residing in Hamilton since 2001. While awaiting updates on his family, Garwood, a member of a community group in Hamilton, has actively engaged in spearheading relief efforts for Jamaica’s recovery.
Garwood expressed his concerns, stating, “I am from the area directly impacted. That is where my mother and siblings are today.” He mentioned his struggle to connect with his mother and sister in Santa Cruz, a town in St. Elizabeth, due to severe communication disruptions caused by the hurricane.
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa included landslides, fallen trees, and extensive power outages, with reports of significant damage in Black River, the capital of St. Elizabeth. Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council deputy chairman, highlighted the lack of infrastructure capable of withstanding a Category 5 storm, as emphasized by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The hurricane also wreaked havoc in Cuba and Haiti, causing numerous casualties and widespread devastation. Garwood appealed to Canadians for assistance through official channels to avoid potential scammers exploiting the situation. The Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton, led by Winsome Plummer, is coordinating local relief efforts, ensuring that all donations are directed to the Jamaican government for support.
Plummer emphasized the importance of supporting Jamaica in its recovery, acknowledging the country’s significance and the necessity for solidarity during challenging times. The foundation is actively working on relief plans for Hamilton, aiming to provide aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
