October 28, 2025
#EyeOnMelissa: ‘Ackee war’ in Arnett and Trench Town amid Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — While most Jamaicans were hunkered down at their homes or in shelters as heavy rains and winds from Hurricane Melissa lashed Jamaica, residents of Arnett Gardens and Trench Town were outdoors engaged in what they say is a “storm tradition” in the west Kingston communities.
When Observer Online visited the area on Tuesday, hours after the storm made landfall in the southwest of the island, a game of “ackee war” was in full effect with scores of young people participating.
“The storm can’t stop us, we are water wi selves, we out here a play ackee war and a enjoy wi self, no violence,” one resident said, “every storm we out here, a just love and love alone.”
The game was Arnett Gardens vs Trench Town residents.
