Dear Editor,

The destruction from Hurricane Melissa is overwhelming. Just when I thought I saw the worst, another image, video, interview appeared, and it broke me. I know people affected and didn’t know what to say after learning about the damage to homes and businesses. I thought of their employees as well.

So far the Government has been working, but it would’ve been far more effective with a bipartisan task force, using experts in disaster management, leading the charge. Why is the Opposition being excluded?

Currently, we see Minister Daryl Vaz going here and there, but many complained in interviews about lack of aid and accessibility. The establishment of temporary shelters and field hospitals started to appear after a week, this should’ve been much sooner. Where are the tents, portable toilets, etc?

Many countries and charities continue to assist, but I must single out the Cayman Islands for its quick action — Cayman Airlines was the first carrier to touch down at Norman Manley International Airport on Thursday, October 30, 2025, bringing US$200,000 worth of relief supplies. The premier, André Ebanks, was onboard, along with Opposition Leader Joseph Hew and others, which made the arrival even more special.

Premier Ebanks gave a moving speech offering full support to Jamaica. The first shipment from the Cayman Islands is part of a much larger contribution to Jamaica’s recovery valued at US$1.2 million. Cayman also offered the use of its airport as an operating air base to Jamaican military providing quick and safe relief. The Jamaican Government should take a cue from Cayman’s joint effort, it was bipartisan and showed solidarity.

I am particularly moved by World Central Kitchen (WCK), led by renowned Chef Jose Andres (
www.wck.org). Its arrival in Jamaica ahead of the hurricane showed foresight and expertise in disaster response. WCK partnered with local chefs and businesses, using local facilities to prepare and distribute meals across Jamaica to affected areas. I understand it is now doing thousands of meals per day. This is phenomenal, and I will continue to support WCK and other charities as their work and efforts will be needed for months.

Thank you, Chef Andres and team, and other charities and volunteers on the ground providing food, supplies, and relief. We can learn a lot from organisations such as WCK, the way they plan, organise, and execute to get the job done quickly, even in unfamiliar territory with accessibility challenges.

As we anticipate rebuilding communities and towns we have an opportunity to improve town planning, drainage systems, and infrastructure. Where possible, we can explore running power cables underground instead of above, light posts can be such a hazard. The hurricane pulled back the curtain, showing us and the world the extent of the poverty which exists in Jamaica alongside vast wealth.

Not long ago I saw a bank selling one of its executive staff homes through Sotheby’s. The property was listed at US$7 million, I couldn’t believe that a local bank could flaunt such extravagance in a small country where so many live in poverty. We can indulge and celebrate our successes in any manner we choose, but let’s do so gracefully and without ignoring the less fortunate and marginalised who coexist around us.

There is blessing in every breaking, even if it might not be clear right away.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com