ORLANDO, Fla. – Melissa is now a hurricane, meaning millions in Jamaica are in harm’s way and could see flooded streets, power outages, and more.
That’s why several local businesses and organizations—with families, friends, and ties to the island—are preparing to help by sending resources and money to aid in recovery after the storm.
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Mark Jathan, owner of Mark’s Jamaican Bar and Grill, is gathering non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and other essentials—ready to send help to friends and family back home as Hurricane Melissa approaches. The rapidly growing storm reached hurricane status Saturday, and damaging winds and rain were expected to begin in Jamaica Saturday night, with a potentially devastating landfall forecast for early Tuesday.
“You know, the first thing we’ll be concerned about is electricity,” Jathan said. “You know, it’s still part of summer on the island down here, so it’s hot.”
I watched Jathan video-chat with his friend, Tara Carroll, who was on the island, where she also owns a restaurant.
“We also cut some trees—anything that’s close to any wires,” Carroll said. “We have to try and protect our personal stuff also, so we’re just closed for the day.”
Carroll says every donation will make a difference.
“Those things are so important because many businesses will be closed,” she said. “They may not be accessible also because we are not sure what the damage may be.”
And as Jathan learned last year when he sent supplies after Hurricane Jeryl—the cost adds up.
“For shipping, you know, between two to four dollars on the whole station—a big container,” he explained. “I mean, not the full container, but a regular-sized one. But if I can get some stuff on a flight—bandages, first-aid kit items for the folks who might need it.”
He’s hoping neighbors and local companies will chip in, like the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida, which sent supplies last year and is gearing up to help again.
“We’re going to have a minimum, maybe, because we will take care of what needs to be done,” said Joan Edghill, president of the association. “But we might get more. Last year, a company called Dry gave us funds—they gave us $1,500 toward it.”
As for Jathan, he hopes his island home can just hang on. “We are anticipating that it’s going to have a major, major problem down there,” he said. “The place is fully saturated, so flooding is one of the issues.”
If you’d like to donate to JAAOCF click here.
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