I wanted to share a difficult update about the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica. The area where my family, the Shields and Bucknors, lives has been severely impacted, leaving a trail of devastation that is heartbreaking to witness.

Our own family home has been badly damaged, having lost its roof to the storm's powerful winds. Even worse, my sister-in-law's home, which sat close to the water, was tragically and completely destroyed. The storm's fury did not spare our community spaces either; the church where my father-in-law's funeral service was held has also been destroyed.

To compound our worry, the power is completely out, and we have been unable to get in contact with many of our relatives, leaving us anxious for their safety. This community needs help now. They are facing an immense crisis and urgently require the basics to survive: food, clothing, and medical supplies.

We are truly grateful for your thoughts and prayers, but the need for urgent relief is profound. Please consider donating to the GoFundMe account to help us bring immediate aid to Newtown, Black River. By supplying the area with generators, lumber for home restoration items such as roofs, windows, doors, medical aid kits, personal hygiene aid kits, and non-perishable food items.