Rebuilding Hope: A Tour of Devastation in St. Elizabeth

Yesterday, I embarked on a heart-wrenching tour of St. Elizabeth, a parish close to my heart and home to many resilient souls who have recently faced unimaginable devastation. As the Executive Director of the Jamaica Diaspora Foundation, it is my duty and privilege to share these experiences, not just as a testament to the strength of our people, but as a clarion call for support and solidarity.

The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl is stark and sobering. Our journey took us from Black River to Greenfield, through Williamsfield and Pedro Pass, to Treasure Beach and back to Southfield, to Junction, through New Forest to Alligator Pond. Each stop revealed more evidence of nature’s fury and the challenges our communities now face.

In Black River, we saw homes with roofs torn off and many downed power lines. The once bustling town is now struggling to regain its footing, with many residents displaced and essential services disrupted. As we moved towards Greenfield, the scene grew even more dire. Downed power lines crisscrossed the roads like fallen sentinels, and uprooted trees lay scattered. The entire parish is still without electricity, and cellular service is down for the vast majority of residents, leaving many without a means to communicate or access help.

Williamsfield and Pedro Pass presented heart-wrenching sights of schools and churches with significant structural damage. These institutions, central to community life, now stand as silent witnesses to the storm's wrath. In Treasure Beach, many small businesses were shuttered, their owners facing an uncertain future.

Southfield and Junction bore similar scars. Homes and farms were devastated, leaving families without shelter and livelihoods. The agricultural heart of St. Elizabeth has been hit hard, with fields that once teemed with crops now lying barren and waterlogged. The impact on our farmers is particularly distressing, as they form the backbone of our economy and culture.

Our visit was marred by the fact that we had no service, a stark reminder of the fragility of our infrastructure. One particularly poignant moment was our attempt to meet with a family in Cross Roads, St. Elizabeth. Despite our best efforts, we couldn't reach them due to the sporadic communication signals. This family, like so many others, is struggling to navigate the uncertainty of each day without the basic means to connect with the outside world.

In New Forest and Alligator Pond, the devastation was compounded by the heat and power outages. The need for immediate relief, such as plyboard, zinc, tarps, and solar-powered fans, is urgent. These communities are in dire need of support to rebuild sturdier homes and ensure a more resilient future.

Despite these challenges, we also witnessed signs of hope and resilience. People were already beginning to rebuild, as best as they could, and were moving about, trying to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives. This determination to rise above adversity is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of St. Elizabeth.

Everywhere we turned, there were stories of hardship and resilience. Farmers, who form the backbone of St. Elizabeth’s economy, have seen their livelihoods uprooted. Fields that once teemed with crops now lie barren and waterlogged. These farmers are not just providers; they are custodians of our land and culture. Their struggles are our struggles, and their recovery is paramount to the future of our communities.

Yet, amid the devastation, there is a palpable sense of hope. The people of St. Elizabeth are not strangers to adversity. Time and again, they have risen from the ashes, embodying the indomitable spirit of Jamaica. But they cannot do it alone. This is where we, as a diaspora, must step in. Our collective strength can be a beacon of hope and a source of tangible support.

Our mission goes beyond recovery. It is about reaffirming our commitment to each other, recognizing that in times of crisis, our bonds of kinship and community are our greatest strengths. We have set an ambitious goal to raise USD 25 million to support the efforts to rebuild, replant, recover, and develop further resilience against natural disasters. Your contribution is crucial. Let us stand with St. Elizabeth, not just in words but in actions, and demonstrate the true spirit of Jamaican resilience and unity. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure a brighter, stronger future for our communities.

Thank you for your unwavering support and compassion. Together, we can rebuild hope.

With heartfelt gratitude and determination,

Angel Seaga

Executive Director

Jamaica Diaspora Foundation