WHEN Hurricane Melissa swept across Jamaica on October 28, Granville Place of Safety in Trelawny sustained significant damage.

The winds ripped apart sections of roofing, soaked mattresses, and left several dorms exposed at the State-run home that provides care for girls aged eight to 18 who have been abused, neglected, or otherwise in need of protection.

Long after the rain stopped, the effects continued. Each time the clouds gather, the girls brace themselves. Once it rains water pours through the damaged roofs and pools on the floors, forcing them to squeeze beds together or sleep in overcrowded rooms to stay dry.

Supervisor Jahnell Hyatt, who has served at Granville for 14 years, explained that multiple groups visited to inspect the damage, but no actual repairs followed.

“They come, they take notes, they look around, but nothing changes afterwards,” said Hyatt. “The girls keep asking when the roof will be fixed. It is hard when you have no answer to give.”

The girls feel the impact in simple ways. Some cannot keep their schoolbooks dry, others fear their belongings will be ruined if the rain catches them while they sleep. A few of the older girls shared that the constant dampness makes them feel unsettled, especially at night.

According to one of the girls, “when the rain starts, you do not rest, you just wait and hope it does not come into your room again”.

Assistant Manager Greta Murray, who has spent nine years at the home, said the atmosphere had grown weary in the weeks after the storm.

“They were carrying a heaviness. Christmas did not feel like Christmas to them this year,” said Murray.

She described how the girls had been trying to stay positive but were clearly discouraged by the living conditions and the uncertainty about repairs.

It was in this environment that WeCAN Women’s Network, an employee-led initiative at Red Stripe, in partnership with D&G Foundation, arrived with a simple intention: to lift the spirits of the girls.

The volunteers served a full Christmas lunch, shared care packages, and spent time talking with the girls. The change in mood came gradually. A few smiles appeared during lunch, then laughter began to rise from the tables, and the room slowly felt lighter.

The girls were open with the visitors. Some talked about school and friendships; others shyly showed off craft projects, such as bracelets they had made. One child shared that she hoped her room would stop flooding soon, yet she still looked forward to Christmas morning.

The staff noticed the shift almost immediately, with Murray saying, “Today gave them something different. Even if the problems are still there, they can breathe a little and enjoy themselves.”

Hyatt added, “These girls have gone through more than most. A gesture like this reminds them that people care about them, not just in reports and assessments, but in real ways.”

In her remarks, Amoye Phillpotts-Brown who leads WeCAN Women’s Network, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with the girls.

“What matters most is that you know you are not alone,” Phillpotts-Brown said.

“There are people who see you, care about what you are going through, and will continue to stand with you, even after today,” added Phillpotts-Brown.

She encouraged the girls to hold on to hope and assured them that the team was committed to supporting them whenever possible. Her message was one of kindness and quiet strength, which the girls received with warm applause.

While repairs to the building are still pending, the afternoon offered the girls a brief sense of relief. Laughter replaced the usual worry about the weather, even if only for a few hours. As the visit came to an end, several girls held on to their gifts with bright smiles and wished the volunteers Merry Christmas as they left.

Drone footage captures the true nature of the damage to the roof at Granville Place of Safety during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. 

The girls at Granville Place of Safety being placed in two lines for a activity organised by representatives of D&G Foundation during a recent visit to the home.

The cheerful and accommodating staff of Granville Place of Safety: (from left) Supervisor Johnel Hyatt, House Mother Evette Anderson, and Assistant Manager Greta Murray.