PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Reggae Boyz defender Damion Lowe says the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa has deepened his love and determination to fight for Jamaica, both on and off the field.

Lowe, who took part in disaster relief efforts last weekend, says the experience left him shaken but inspired.

“To be honest, depressed, sad, angry, distraught,” Lowe said, in trying to describe his feelings about scenes he witnessed. “There are so many words that I can use to describe but it motivated me to go out there and give my all and I’m willing to die for this country.

“Jamaicans are strong. We never let a hard time humble us. We always prevail, we always beat adversity, so I believe in the prime minister and the other authorities that are coming in and helping and we’re going to try to lift up Jamaica again by qualifying for the World Cup.”

His task continues tonight when Jamaica takes on Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in a crucial World Cup qualifier here at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Asked about the attacking threat of T&T, Lowe says Jamaica’s attention is inward.

“They’re a good team, they’ve got good players but, to be honest, we’re not really focused on them,” he said. “We’re focused on ourselves. We know what is at stake and what we’re going to do. We have to give them respect but not too much.”

Lowe, at 31 years old, is a key figure in the national set-up and has grown into one of the team’s most respected voices, but says leadership doesn’t mean losing touch with teammates.

“It’s always good to be exemplary because when I came in there were a few senior players before me — the likes of Jermaine Taylor, Jevaughn Watson, Adrian Mariappa — and they were very ‘teachy’, very welcoming,” he said. “So they were always good to the younger guys coming in and stepping up and taking big responsibilities. For me, it’s showing them the way and teaching them the ropes the same.”

The clash between the Reggae Boyz and T&T has long been one of the region’s fiercest football rivalries, but Lowe says the team won’t be distracted by emotions with World Cup qualification within reach.

“Of course, we’re Jamaicans, everyone wants to beat us, so we have to go out there and be serious,” he said. “Of course, it’s a rivalry game, a derby, but the bigger picture is the World Cup, so we’re not going to get too sucked into that and too amped up on the rivalry part. We just want to get the job done and qualify for the World Cup.”

The game kicks off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium at 7:00 pm Jamaica time.

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