Dear Editor,

It is commendable to see many individuals helping with relief and support in the aftermath of the hurricane in addition to the countless charities and agencies on the ground being supported by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) which have been outstanding.

I’ve been particularly impressed with Lisa Hanna, who exited representational politics recently yet is present in affected parishes. Hanna has been providing regular updates and appeared on several foreign networks in interviews. It is not surprising that networks seek her out, her eloquence is outstanding. She reminds the world what it means to be Jamaican — our strength and resilience — in the face of adversity and destruction. Hanna’s family businesses donated meals, but it is her leadership through the Lisa Hanna Foundation which continues to impress. I’ve seen donations of mattresses and container buildings to two Members of Parliament, on both sides, in the west for use as storage, municipal offices, and later housing.

Imagine having the foresight to buy supplies, such as mattresses and bed linen, from hotel auctions and store in a warehouse until needed. Hanna remains hands on, overseeing logistics, and was present for the deliveries. She could’ve limited aid to her former constituency of St Ann South Eastern, but she went where she was needed most, blurring political lines, and at no time did she put a value on the donation. This is leadership, and I somehow suspect Hanna’s political career is not yet done.

Another individual worth mentioning is Andre Stephens, a young man known for his colourful and polarising podcast (
PDTV News Jamaica) which now has a large number of followers, local and overseas. Not long ago Stephens was invited by a Diaspora group in Canada to be special guest speaker at an event where he gave an outstanding speech about gender-based violence in Jamaica. Stephens has spoken openly about his own struggles, being homeless, and has a passion to help others, which is admirable.

Without wasting a second he jumped into recovery mode after the hurricane, mobilising the team with support from donors, volunteers, and many businesses which have partnered with him, having seen the outstanding work being done daily in different parishes through his mission. He has provided much-needed supplies such as blankets, tarpaulins, food, clothing, etc.

Stephens has been working around the clock daily, shuttling back and forth between Kingston and rural areas. He not just gives, he goes into homes and communities, meeting and talking with displaced residents, giving them hope. Sometimes in crises people just want a hug or a few words of reassurance to let them know others care and things will get better.

Good deeds do not go unnoticed, and even with criticism these selfless individuals who prioritise the needs of others with courage and compassion continue to push through to get the job done.

Leading in a crisis is not easy, leadership requires strategic planning to predict, prepare, and plan. It also requires quick thinking and quick response along with empathy and effective communication; it involves the ability to lead, mobilise, and connect. Some will rise when challenged and tested, others will crack, becoming defensive, defiant, critical, or silent.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com