Dear Editor,

Jamaica is no stranger to the fury of hurricanes, and since 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert hit the island, Jamaicans should have learnt many lessons concerning preparation. We have seen other hurricanes like Ivan, Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Dean and now

Sandy, which caused much damage in some areas. On October 24, 2012, I was sent to St Thomas because I am a shelter manager who acts in response to hurricanes and other natural disasters.

In order to function properly, I should have been equipped with a flashlight, batteries, wet weather gear and stationery to record the names and ages of people who sought refuge in the shelter. Unfortunately, the parish disaster coordinator was unable to furnish them because she did not have any in stock. But I managed because I could source them. By 1.30 pm, after the first twist had passed, the shelter was housing over 40 people.

By nightfall, over 92 people were recorded. By then the facility had no electricity. Only one restroom was available and there was no drinking water because two storage tanks had collapsed. The auditorium was divided into four sections, yet it was overcrowded because some people came, not only with their families but also with furniture. What amazed me, though, is that the agency dealing with disasters expects people to go to shelters with at least three days of food supply, while most people go with the expectation that they should get food and handouts.

I suspect that there was miscommunication between the people and management. It was chaotic because I could not supply their demands.

But luckily, a Red Cross community emergency response team was in the neighbourhood so a member was able to find food, and cook to feed the hungry, while some people were able to look after themselves.

The point that I am trying to make is that emergency response in Jamaica is inadequate. It is clear that those who are most likely to use shelters during storms are poor and can hardly find food, so a three-day supply is out of reach.

The people who sought refuge in the shelter lived in a flood-prone area called “Capture Land”. While not attempting to expose any agency or representative, I believe that if it is unsafe for people to occupy flood-prone areas, Local Government should do something about it. Also, the Jamaica Public Service Company should not be allowed to supply electricity there because it encourages habitation.

If St Thomas has been declared a disaster area, then the parish council should not be short of hurricane supplies. If people are aware that they are to go to a shelter with adequate food and medicine, then I believe that they should try to do better. But I believe some do not know this.

Disasters will strike without notice, but it is the preparation, communication, coordination, and education about hurricanes that make a difference. I know that there is no perfection during a disaster but based on what I saw, there is room for improvement.

I must commend the hard-working men and women of the JPS because they have been working tirelessly in order to bring things back to normal. Nonetheless, it is time for the nation to learn how to deal with issues like disasters, even with limited resources. We need more young people in Jamaica to carry out volunteer services because every major community should have a team of community disaster response team members under the supervision of the Red Cross or the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. But as the prime minister said, “The spirit of volunteerism has gone dead in Jamaica”, and it could be for a number of reasons. My sympathy to all who have suffered losses. We cannot escape the wrath of nature. We can only prepare and then try to recover.

Charlie Brown

charliebrown1004@gmail.com