‘Most terrible thing we ever see’
Grierfield resident recounts Hurricane Melissa horror
In the rural community of Grierfield, Moneague, St Ann, residents are picking up the pieces after Hurricane Melissa ripped through their homes on Tuesday.
One resident, Garry Dawson, was among several community members seen trying to repair their roofs before nightfall after powerful winds blew them off. His furniture and other household items were destroyed, leaving him counting the cost of the devastation.
“Terrible, terrible, terriblest thing we ever see. Nothing like this before, and I don’t think anything like this will be coming after. Man, Gilbert a baby, man,”he told the Jamaica Observer, referencing the historic Category 3 Hurricane Gilbert that struck Jamaica in 1988.
Garry described the moment Melissa tore through his home.
“Everything wet up, man. Everything wet up. Bang the roof. We do everything. We tie down with the rope. Nothing couldn’t help. It come right through the channel here… mash up the whole place, tear it off, tear down trees. Every tree flat around it,” Dawson said.
He estimates the damage at roughly $300,000, including lost furniture, roofing, and structural materials.
“We need zinc and board and anything we can get. Anything at all helps,” he pleaded.
Those wishing to assist can reach Garry directly at (876) 566-8745, or contact the Jamaica Observer via the comments or direct messages for coordination of donations.
