Nicole Murray

Murray’s Fish & Jerk Hut

Style Observer (SO): Which five words best describe Nicole?

Nicole Murray (NM): Passionate, meticulous, creative, resourceful, nurturing.

SO: What’s your astrological sign?

NM: Taurus.

SO: Do you recall the very first meal that you prepared?

NM: Wow, I have cooked so many meals… Cooking for others brings me immense joy. As such, I can’t remember my first meal cooked.

If I could remember though, knowing the creative me, my reaction would be one of excitement! ‘Not bad at all, for my first attempt can’t wait to share this with family and friends’.

SO: You and your family have been working around the clock for the past week preparing thousands of meals as part of World Central Kitchen’s outreach. What has the experience been like?

NM: It’s been an incredible experience working with World Central Kitchen. We’re exhausted, but fulfilled after preparing thousands of meals for those in need. Seeing the impact of our work on people’s faces is truly rewarding. We’ve been working around the clock, but the sense of community and camaraderie among volunteers makes it feel like a big family effort and our team has displayed a true sense of community spirit and commitment to getting the meals out daily.

One of the most striking aspects is the efficiency and organisation of the operation. From loading and unloading food to cooking and distributing meals, every step is carefully planned and executed.

The gratitude from the people we’re serving is humbling. Overall, it’s been an exhausting but enriching experience, and we’re grateful to be part of this effort.

SO: Government minister Matthew Samuda has described Hurricane Melissa as a “meteorological nuclear bomb”. What impact has Hurricane Melissa had on you personally?

NM: We are truly grateful that we weren’t severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa and our thoughts are with those who were affected. Seeing the devastation caused by the magnitude of the hurricane has been heartbreaking, and we’re eager to support those in need and displaced. We’re blessed to have been spared from the worst. However, knowing that we were threatened by this powerful category five storm, had a significant impact mentally as it relates to feeling anxious and feeling fear.

SO: Based on your interaction with family and friends do you think our approach to the planet will change?

NM: It’s possible that this may lead to a renewed focus on environmental issues and sustainability. Natural disasters often raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and can inspire individuals to make changes in their daily lives, such as reducing carbon footprint, by using public transport, carpooling, or driving electric vehicles, individuals can contribute to a cleaner environment. Conserving resources, little actions like reducing water waste, using energy-efficient appliances, and recycling could make a significant difference. Small actions add up and collective efforts can lead to significant positive change.

SO: What’s your favourite meal?

NM: Stew peas and white rice.

SO: And Appleton cocktail?

NM: Yes indeed! A little helps to calm the nerves and helps to unwind

SO: What’s your preference, travel by train or boat?

NM: Well, at this time after what we have been through I would have to say the train as, in my opinion, trains may be less susceptible to winds and flooding.

SO: Heels or flats?

NM: Heels.

SO: Jeans or an LBD?

NM: Jeans!!! So versatile.

SO: Rom-com or documentary?

NM: I’d have to say rom-com because that’s a great escape from reality, at times.

SO: Driving from Clarendon to Kingston what are you listening to?

NM: When we heard of the impending hurricane, news and updates, but on a normal day music and talk shows.

SO: What’s one thing that you have gladly put in the rear-view mirror as we close out 2025?

NM: Negativity, negative relationships, negative thoughts that drain the energy and become toxic. Also stress and anxiety, finding ways to manage stress and anxiety to improve overall quality of life, health and well-being. There are so many issues and problems that we are faced with daily, developing a solution-oriented mindset is a productive approach, gratitude is a game-changer, just being thankful for the little things, opportunities, chances to learn, grow, and explore new experiences.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

NM: Actually I have two:

• Do it right the first time.

• Life is 10 per cent what happens to you and 90 per cent how you react.

Appleton Estate Signature with a splash of coconut water.

Nicole Murray (left), her husband, Murray’s Fish & Jerk Hut CEO Courtney Murray and World Central Kitchen representative Julia Fraguas.