Relief Efforts After Hurricane Melissa

Missionaries in Jamaica help to rebuild lives in the wake of Hurricane Melissa

Some of the words we use every day come from the languages of the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, the Taíno Indians. For example, we owe to them the word "hammock" and the name of the island Jamaica (Xiamaca). Another important word of Taíno origin is “hurricane.” Hurricanes have been striking Jamaica and other Caribbean islands for centuries, causing massive destruction.

This year, Jamaica was hit by an exceptionally powerful hurricane named “Melissa.” It was a Category 5 hurricane, the highest on the scale. Wind speeds reached record levels — with gusts of up to 378 km/h (235 mph), and for hours, sustained winds approached 300 km/h (185 mph). Such winds can destroy everything in their path, even brick buildings. On top of that, there was torrential rain — in just a few hours more water fell than would normally fall in a whole month. Streets and valleys turned into rushing rivers, and the sea generated waves up to 4 meters high, flooding entire towns like Black River, which remained under water for many hours.

Fortunately, our Divine Word missions are located in the eastern part of the island, which was not hit as badly. The western side of Jamaica suffered the worst devastation. There, dozens of churches were destroyed and more than half a million people lost their roofs. Many people lost literally everything — from clothing to homes leveled to the ground. Although a month has now passed since the hurricane, aid has still not reached some areas. People are sheltering under open skies, because even the hurricane shelters were destroyed. 

Witnessing these tragedies, we immediately began collecting the most necessary items: water, food, clothing, solar lamps, tarps for damaged roofs, tools, and hygiene products. We also prepared hammers, saws, nails — everything that could help people rebuild their homes.

In many parishes, churches were completely destroyed along with the homes of parishioners, so we quickly decided to organize help for them. Together with Sister Barbara and Father Peter, we regularly deliver essential supplies to those hardest hit by the disaster. We strive to stay close to them, to better respond to their current needs and to alleviate, even a little, their difficult situation. Fully rebuilding these areas will probably take many years, or even decades. 

When the Divine Word Missionaries arrived in Jamaica in 1994 — six years after the previous major hurricane "Gilbert" — many people were still living under tarps, as their homes had not yet been rebuilt. For many years, we helped them get back on their feet, mainly thanks to Brother Bernie Spitzley and the charitable organization "Food for the Poor."

Today, we are planning to send roofing sheets and other building materials, to provide at least temporary shelter for the people.

The needs are enormous, but many organizations are already on-site providing assistance. We help as much as we can. In moments like these, the most important thing is solidarity and our physical, real presence among those who have suffered so greatly.

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