KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hurricane chaser Josh Morgerman says he is committed to keeping global attention fixed on recovery efforts following the devastation of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, particularly in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

Partnering with the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Morgerman hosted a fireside chat aimed at sustaining international awareness and support as rebuilding continues months after the storm.

“Usually I don’t go back to countries after a hurricane. I have only done it that once before after a devastating typhoon hit the Philippines in 2013 but having been through the crème de la crème of hurricanes here in Jamaica and seeing both the devastation and the resilience of the Jamaican people I felt I had to do a bit more,” Morgerman said.

Morgerman, who rode out Hurricane Melissa in St Elizabeth, said his return visit was driven by concern that global attention could fade before recovery is complete.

“My mission is to keep the story alive in the United States. So, I am doing that on WeatherNation where the Jamaican diaspora and potential donors can be kept abreast of recovery efforts.

“Recovery takes time and effort but if people do not see what is happening especially internationally they will forget about Melissa and relief funding will dwindle. So, I am doing my part to keep it out there,” he continued.

During his presentation, which included excerpts of the experience from his film which is on YouTube, Morgerman highlighted structural vulnerabilities exposed by the storm.

“Wood frame structures were no match for Melissa…Rooves were also a major vulnerability. People need to rethink roofs. People need to make hurricane resistant roofs the new religion,” he said.

Concrete roofing systems, he added, appear to offer significantly greater resilience.

Morgerman noted that adequate and frequent warnings were issued by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica but said that despite this many failed to prepare for the hurricane.

“Many persons were sceptical about the hurricane. They didn’t believe the extreme warnings that they were hearing. But after Melissa, I don’t think believability will be a problem in Jamaica again during our lifetime,” he said.

Many members of the audience challenged this thought and indicated that after Jamaicans got over the “9-day wonder” of Hurricane Melissa it would be back to scepticism.

A recommendation also emerged from the discussions that a national public education campaign should be launched to address hurricane preparation and Jamaicans being more responsive to early warnings.

Co-owner of Golf View Hotel, Kemilee Mclymont-Campbell, supported the call for the campaign and indicated that the hotel was ready to play its part.

“We are hosting this fireside chat because we want to play our part in ensuring that as a country we are ready to respond to and be resilient to recovery from disasters,” she said. “There is much value in sharing experiences and exploring partnerships for recovery.”