CLAREMONT, St Ann — Rohan Davis, a heartbroken goat farmer from Claremont, St Ann, is still counting his losses one month after Hurricane Melissa ripped through his herd of more than 30 animals.

According to Davis, it has crossed his mind that maybe it’s time to throw in the towel, but he knows no other way to make a living.

“Me would truly like some help as [Hurricane] Beryl [2024] come and touch me, and now Melissa come and mash me up,” Davis lamented as he pointed to the shattered roofs and fencing that now litter his property.

He estimates that he lost millions of dollars because of the Category 5 storm on October 28, which also robbed him of his rabbits and one of his high-bred dogs. The few goats Davis has left were huddled for support on the day the Jamaica Observer visited.

While Davis is grateful that some of the animals survived, the setback has left him remorseful and desperate.

Adding to his frustration is lingering doubt about his ability to receive State assistance as he is not registered with the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

Davis defended his decision not to sign up with RADA which encourages farmers to register to gain access to services, incentives, and support, following natural disasters.

“I am a farmer, like many of the other small farmers in the community, [but] whenever something like this happens they are overlooked and it’s the ‘big man’ farmers who benefit,” Davis said.

He also took issue with advice he said had been given to his friends who have registered with RADA, that losses from natural disasters should be reported its office.

“Nonsense that! We don’t farm in the office! The extension officers should be out in the fields to do their assessment of the farms and the damage done, as the farmers don’t have time to go to any office while trying to rebuild their livelihood,” declared an adamant Davis.

He argued that the bureaucratic red tape should be lifted so farmers like him can benefit from grants, emergency feed, and repair support as they rebuild and get the agriculture sector back on its feet.

“The friend and friend thing at this time fi stop. [They need to] focus seriously and help all the farmers. Whether we plant or raise animals we all need the help — whether we registered or not,” argued Davis.

– Ingrid Henry