- J
- R
- B
This is a presentation and video display to help my neighbors. There are over 90,000 houses destroyed in Jamaica. This is one community struggling for water, food, clothing, and home-repair assistance. It doesn't sound like much; however, once you see the videos posted, you may sense the urgency.
The complication with this particular community is how it is cut off from assistance. One video, "A community wiped off the map clean by Melissa", shows the development of a large creek, not manageable by foot due to a recent drowning, separating part of the community from assistance. It will be another two weeks before the road repair is complete. In the meantime, you can make contact if the tide is low and try via the beach or a motorized re-route, adding an hour due to road conditions. The town is only 3.5 miles away, but now it is over 1 hour away by car because of this 12-foot-wide creek.
Many may think this is "not so bad". One should realize that boats, another form of transportation, are completely gone. Boats placed 100 feet from the sea were tossed about like empty paper bags. Scratching out a living through fishing is now lost. Sea-faring boats cost $4,000 + for replacement; this price does not include the engine or nets.
I am embarrassed to post photos of my own house. Hopefully, one must imagine it was once packed with fruit, spice, and vegetation. Now, just as the whole area, it is covered by sand because the constant sea surge went beyond 16 feet tall.
Large donations are not being asked for, just a large number of small ones. Additionally, I ask that you aid these people and share this GOFUNDME page. Again, small donations add up to large numbers.
I'd also like to know ideas on how to 'gift' these monies. To a local charity of a few churches combining their efforts to assist, or to a local group, such as Rotary International.
Please, we are talking about the very basic items:
- cookware, propane gas for cooking, plastic sealable bags to retard moisture and fungus growth,
- to immediately install water tanks in 3 locations so all can obtain clean water. Children have become sick by sipping water from the remaining mud puddles,
- clothing, I've contacted a clothing recycling company for aid. It was started by a small vendor and focused on these situations,
- food, which can be stored easily. Mac & Cheese with Corned Beef, dried Army Surplus fruits and vegetables. The list is long,
- attempting to provide roof repair at less than 50% so many can benefit from partial coverage,
- enlisting local pharmaceutical stores to provide medications,
These are just a few of the services needed. Many do not realize that, at this time, the bulk of the island has been stripped of fruit trees and vegetables. Hurricane Mellisa's strength hit this area with 160 mph winds. When Beryl hit four years ago, cabbage was $3.50 USD for a lb., oranges were $9.00 USD for a dozen, and potatoes were $4.00 a lb. Hurricane devastation is just a simple repair, but a process. It is also more than a repeat of the damage four years ago.
The YouTube videos are:
"Inside Jamaica Ground Zero"
"A community wiped off the map clean by Melissa."
"Black River, Jamaica, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa"
I hope to establish a link to these for easier access. It is asked to please review these videos by viewing them on YouTube. Some are shocked, it seemed like the devastation was news for 3 or 4 days and then "disappeared". This will not disappear.
Thank you for your help, kindness, and consideration
Again, it is hoped that many small donations that also include sharing this with others, is the aspiration this reach many. If you wish to make a sizeable contribution, it is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jim Priester, Parrotte Beach, Jamaica
Lakewood, Ohio