THE BEAUTY OF JAMAICA

HURRICANE MELISSA slammed into Jamaica on October 27, 2025 as perhaps the strongest and most devastating storm in the reported history of the Caribbean. The full extent of the damage, along with the number of fatalities, is yet unknown. As of today, at least 19 people are dead in the Western part of the country. Dead livestock are floating in the standing flood waters. Homes and buildings are flattened. Power lines are down and trees are uprooted. People are stranded with no food or water, without the basic necessities of life. Jamaica needs our help.

The western and southern parts of the country took the hardest hits.  Although the eastern part of the island suffered, its infrastructure appears to be intact and clean up efforts are underway.  The pictures of Montego Bay are gut wrenching — I have yet to see photos of Negril.  Black River where the storm made landfall looks like a bomb was dropped on it.

So I watched social media impatiently on Monday and Tuesday, waiting to hear news about Jamaica Inn, my home away from home in Ocho Rios.  At last, the hotel staff posted a photo and a message assuring everyone that they were still there, that the staff is okay and that they were appreciative of everyone’s concern.  It reminded me of the time I spent there two days after Hurricane Beryl when the resort was running on generator and one of the housekeepers told me she was sorry I was being inconvenienced.  Here’s the thing:  Jamaica depends on TOURISM.  The local postings on Tic Toc and Facebook are already urging tourists not to cancel their reservations but to come and support Jamaica by spending money!  So, this morning I called Jamaica Inn and confirmed my December reservation and paid for it.  I have no doubt that this island nation will come back from Melissa stronger than before.  These people are resilient and full of faith and optimism.  BUT THEY NEED OUR HELP.  If you aren’t going to travel there and spend your vacation dollars, support The Cajun Navy who is there now helping in every way they can.  Or, go to Jamaica Inn’s web site and contribute on the GoFundMe page they have set up.  I am confident the money will go where it needs to go

MEANWHILE THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO JAMAICA!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

X