More than a day after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a devastating Category 5 storm, Chris Garwood was still attempting to reach his mother and sister residing in St. Elizabeth parish. Originally from St. Elizabeth, known as Jamaica’s primary agricultural region, Garwood has been based in Hamilton since 2001. While awaiting updates on his family, Garwood is actively involved in a community organization in Hamilton that is leading efforts to support Jamaica’s recovery.
Expressing concern for his family in the heavily impacted area, Garwood emphasized the challenges in communication due to extensive damage, with numerous utility poles down. Despite making contact with some relatives, he remains anxious about his mother and another sister who were in Santa Cruz during the storm. Garwood mentioned that his brother was attempting to reach their mother using a power saw.
Reports indicated landslides, fallen trees, and significant power outages following Melissa’s landfall in St. Elizabeth near New Hope. The hurricane caused casualties and widespread destruction in Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica. Notably, Black River in St. Elizabeth suffered severe damage, including the Black River Hospital losing its roof and a church reduced to only two walls.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the lack of infrastructure capable of withstanding a Category 5 hurricane, emphasizing the urgent need for a swift recovery process. Garwood urged Canadians to support official relief channels to avoid fraudulent activities, referencing the established Jamaican government website for donations.
Garwood, serving as treasurer at the Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton, reassured that the foundation would coordinate local relief efforts, ensuring donations reach the Jamaican government. Winsome Plummer, the foundation’s president, stressed the importance of aiding Jamaica during this crisis, emphasizing the shared connection and responsibility to assist those in need. Plummer expressed concern for her relatives in St. Ann parish, where communications were disrupted, and highlighted the significance of providing support to Jamaica in its recovery efforts.