A man from Nova Scotia reports that residents in Jamaica are well-prepared for Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that hit the Caribbean island on Tuesday. Phil Rock, a retired firefighter and horticulturalist from Halifax, has been in Jamaica since last week making arrangements for the storm. While staying in Negril for a month, he is also assisting a friend in safeguarding their property and pets.
Rock praised the resilience and resourcefulness of the Jamaican people, noting how they have come together to support each other during the crisis. He mentioned that preparations for the storm began about five days ago due to its slow movement. Rock expressed confidence in the sturdiness of both his and his friend’s homes, located on the west coast of the island, suggesting they will likely withstand the worst effects of the storm.
Once Hurricane Melissa passes over Cuba and the Bahamas, Rock intends to offer his volunteer services in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa is expected to be the most powerful hurricane to hit a Caribbean nation in recent history.
Meanwhile, at farms in Nova Scotia, seasonal workers from Jamaica are closely monitoring updates on the storm. Josh Oulton, co-owner of Taproot Farms in Port Williams, mentioned that around 20 Jamaican workers are employed at his farm. Oulton described the atmosphere as somber, with live updates from Jamaica dominating conversations despite the busy work of packing food for Nova Scotians.
Although cell phones are typically not allowed during work hours, Oulton made an exception due to the seriousness of the situation. Some workers managed to contact their families in Jamaica as late as 3 p.m. AT, while others faced difficulties in reaching their loved ones. Concerns about the safety of family and friends during the storm and potential property damage weigh heavily on the workers’ minds.
Oulton highlighted the uncertainty faced by many workers and expressed hope for support from Nova Scotia to aid those who have contributed to feeding the province for years.
