Now Jamaica is making its way back from a disastrous Category 5 hurricane that has decimated the landscape. As the survivors are still waiting for basics, lines have quickly developed throughout the island for access to fuel, food, and clean drinking water. The aftermath continues to be tragic, with federal and state officials announcing a death toll that has reached 32 and continues to rise. Those stories exist because communities are banding together, showing tremendous grit and grace in the face of overwhelming destruction.
In Montego Bay, residents waited for hours in line at gas stations that had fuel. Some waited from as early as 4 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. to fill their tanks. The air is heavy with the scent of rich loam and parched clay, evidence of the storm’s violence. Ruined public buildings, including courthouses, libraries, government offices, and elementary schools, make it even more difficult to recover.
Addressing the heroes of the day, former minister and member of parliament, Lisa Hanna, praised the unbreakable spirit of the Jamaican people even in this dark hour.
“We are resilient.” – Lisa Hanna
Survivors such as Shaniel Tomlin, who holds her one-year-old son Jahmar, still deal with the effects of the storm. Jahmar, who received a severe head injury in the calamity, was in dire need of medical care. Community activist Alandrea Brown, 26, surveys the destruction left by the fire, which has left formerly show-stopping homes as little but ash and debris.
Ordinary citizens in impacted communities have become the first responders while relief agencies get deployed. True, they have begun providing urgent care. As many as 10 of them plan to stay on the island for several months, helping to lead recovery efforts. The tourism industry, vital to Jamaica’s economy, is closely monitoring the developments, especially as peak season approaches next month.
The destruction from the hurricane was extensive. Roofs were torn off buildings, windows blown out, and seawater surged up to 16 feet inland due to the storm surge. Miles of human history literally lie under a storm’s debris, barely recognizable or lost entirely.
Simone Gardon, who is still greatly impacted by the storm, could hardly believe what had happened.
“I guess it doesn’t really hit us yet.” – Simone Gardon
As recovery efforts progress, Jamaican officials stress that much of the country remains operational, particularly in the north and east regions. Yet despite the destruction, these local champions hope to convince visitors and potential locals that normalcy can return even when disaster strikes.
The emotional cost on health care workers is just as evident. She said Dr. Sheriff Imoru that detailed his daily battle to come to terms with the reality of his shattered hospital.
“When I see this place, my hospital, it’s very difficult even to come through the gates in the mornings. But I have to.” – Dr. Sheriff Imoru
Through the island there is a sense of unity as neighbors help each other get through this difficult time. One local man channeled this spirit all into a single, epic declaration.
“We are the strongest people in the world.” – A local resident
As the healing process begins, Jamaicans are rejecting with a vengeance the normalization of this recurring tragedy. As ever, it is their resilience and solidarity that will be key in rebuilding their communities and restoring normalcy amidst this devastation.
