My name is Mara Watson and my husband is Hank Watson. Hank has lived in the US for 20 years but he was born and raised in Jamaica. Hanks dad, Winston Watson and other family members still live in Jamaica and braved Hurricane Melissa last week. Hank and I are raising funds to help Hank’s family and their village of Lethe, Hanover, Jamaica, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa earlier this week.

When Hurricane Melissa hit, hurricane-force winds and catastrophic flooding of the river swept through their entire village. Homes were damaged or destroyed, crops and fruit trees were wiped out, and nearly every source of food and income is gone, including the main tourist destination in Lethe, bamboo rafting.

Hank’s dad, Winston, and step-mom, Pat, live in a remote part of the mountains above Lethe and they lost nearly everything — their home severely flooded and all the trees and vegetation on their property were washed away or uprooted by the storm.

Roads to reach the Watson home are currently impassable. Hank and his brother in law are traveling to Jamaica this week for initial rescue efforts - and will have to hike nearly 8 miles with supplies on their backs to reach the house and begin helping his parents and neighbors.

We are raising funds to:

✅ Repair and secure the family home

✅ Clear the property and remove downed trees and debris

✅ Purchase food and essential supplies

✅ Support other families in Lethe who have also lost everything

Any donations beyond what is needed for Winston and Pat will go directly to the people of Lethe to help rebuild homes, access food, and recover as a community.

If you’re able to help - through a donation or by sharing - we are deeply grateful. This community is strong, but they need support to rebuild after this disaster.

Thank you for your love and generosity.

– Mara & Hank Watson