On a normal day, the stretch along Jimmy Cliff Boulevard known as Montego Bay Hip Strip serves up the best of Jamaica’s culture. A must-visit for tourists, the area is the epicentre of entertainment catering to families by day before transforming into the ultimate party scene at night.

However, what was once the backdrop for tropical vibes and entertainment is now a picture of destruction after Hurricane Melissa tore through, leaving businesses reeling from the devastation.

While some business operators tried to make the best of a bad situation by opening their doors, it was evident it was not business as usual. With no electricity, the buzz of generators replaced the sweet sounds of reggae and dancehall music. And, with no Internet connection, a growing crowd gathered in front of the Coral Cliff Gaming & Entertainment Lounge to piggyback on its Starlink connection. Still, the doors to the facility remained closed.

Frank Peeters, proprietor of the popular Wingz and Tingz bar and restaurant, tried to remain hopeful even as he sat amongst the rubble of his now mangled establishment. Pointing to the pile-up of debris in what was once the dining area, Peeters sighed heavily as he declared, “Melissa was not kind to us.”

“Wingz and Tingz has been here for five years, but the bar itself has been here for over 20,” he shared. “I mean, this spot is iconic here in Montego Bay, close to Dead End Beach. There are many tourists who come to meet locals and gain the island experience in a clean, safe way. We have a deejay going every day with different themes, different deals, and so it’s a lively entertainment spot.”

Peeters told the Jamaica Observer that the Hip Strip was “the place to be in Montego Bay” for a true taste of Jamaica’s food, music, and dance, adding “It’s sad to see all it’s going through, but we’re going to come back stronger.”

And that was the sentiment shared by other business owners, even as they’re faced with putting back together the pieces of their livelihoods.

In a true display of the relentless spirit of Jamaicans, many have fully embraced the idea of a Montego Bay renaissance. Standing in the ruins of what used to be a beautifully landscaped lawn, Tricia-Ann Becarie, vice-president of sales, marketing and administration at the popular SeaGarden Beach Resort, was adamant that a bounce-back is inevitable. She said that, while rebuilding may take some months, vibrancy will be restored to the Hip Strip.

“We’re down, but definitely not out. I mean, even in the midst of it all, some resorts remain open and are offering guests the experience they journeyed to Jamaica for,” she said. “We at SeaGarden are currently closed, but I do know we will reopen. We will rebuild. We are a very resilient people, and that resilience will help us through this difficult period… We’re blessed to be a part of a group with other hotel partners, the Ministry of Tourism, and other commercial partners that have been giving support to us and that have been very helpful.”

As a hotel that usually accommodates guests for major entertainment events such as Reggae Sumfest, Becarie is hopeful that repairs will be done before any such staging. But that, she lamented, is not the immediate focus.

“We will rebuild and start welcoming guests again, but before we get to that, we must first meet the needs of our [200] staff, and that’s where our priority lies at the moment,” she said. “This is a family-owned and -operated business, and so our staff are not just people who work for us, they’re part of our extended family…”

Larger bars, restaurants, hotels, and gaming lounges are not the only businesses hoping for a Hip Strip comeback. For a street vendor on Kent Avenue, who identified herself as Fatty, business since the hurricane has come to a grinding halt.

“Mi just come out still because this is what I do. But no business nah gwaan right now. Melissa mash we up wicked,” she told the Observer, explaining she has worked in the area more than 20 years.

She, however, has hopes things will improve as it approaches Christmas.

Frank Peeters, proprietor of Wingz and Tingz on Kent Avenue on MoBay’s Hip Strip (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

People gather in front of the Coral Cliff Gaming & Entertainment Lounge to piggyback on their Starlink connection.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

A section of the 750-foot-long Reggae and Dancehall Wall of Fame mural erected by organisers of Reggae Sumfest now-damaged by Hurricane Melissa.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Tricia-Ann Becarie, vice-president of sales, marketing and administration at SeaGarden Beach Resort, looks up at the sky through the open roof of one of the resort’s rooms.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)