Dear Editor,

The advent of Hurricane Melissa will be etched in the annals of history, but more so in the minds and psyche of all who experienced it first-hand — from Jamaica to Cuba and The Bahamas.

The loss of lives, properties, livelihoods, and businesses cannot be easily quantitatified. For years and decades to come its effect will be lasting. However, in the midst of this devastation and dislocation there are glimmers of hope. Hope in the form of neighbourly love, community spirit, and the selfless duty to work and rebuild.

But a dark side looms. These include the asinine conspiracy theories surrounding the source of Hurricane Melissa being conjured up by individuals; political posturing when we all should be working together; the folding of hands and sense of entitlement by some of its victims; the incidence of looting and resale of relief supplies; and the death of the father and daughter missionary team of Alexander and Serena Wurm in that plane crash in Florida and other unsung heroes who died trying to assist others in this weather system.

I have heard people complaining that relief supplies shipped from overseas were being pilfered. Imagine the effort and resources involved in putting together these shipments only to have a “two-foot puss” rob the donors and potential recipients.

These are all a part of the tragedies of Melissa and not just the loss of lives and properties. May we find it in our hearts to be our brothers’ keeper, do the right thing, and understand that the Almighty God is watching and keeping record of our actions/inactions.

To Jamaica and the other affected Caribbean territories: Melissa came, did her worst, but we can endeavour to grow and positively change the trajectory of our lives.

Andrea Dunk

andrea.d7774@gmail.com