My name is Keisha-Ann Reid and I’m from Falmouth, in Trelawny Parish, in the northwest of Jamaica. I’m currently living and working in Vermont. As you all know Jamaica was hit severely by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. My husband Phil is there on the ground. He says our town, Falmouth, which was hit by the eye of the storm, is unrecognizable. There is no food, no water, people are homeless. The water has risen and is in people’s homes even today. There is still no electricity, no drinking water. A lot of people are in shelters. It’s too early even for data on how many people are impacted. What I have been thinking about is disease. The news just today reported that already in Jamaica 11 people have Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease from contaminated water. Right now, Phil is helping clear debris out of the road so that rescue crews can access our community and others. With funds he will be able to get food, clean water and medication to people in shelters.

All funds raised here will go directly to food, water, medication and supplies to rebuild our community.