TORONTO — In the words of Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada for the Jamaica Tourist Board, “the worst has passed. And now we unite and we build Jamaica.”
Bennett delivered her latest update last night via social media as damage assessment teams fanned out across Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
After striking Jamaica and then Cuba, Melissa is currently a Category 2 storm with top sustained winds near 169 kph this morning, moving north-northeast at 33 kph. A hurricane warning is in effect today for Bermuda. An earlier warning for the central and southeastern Bahamas was lifted but heavy rainfall is still a concern. The story is forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda later today and may strengthen further before weakening Friday.
EMERGENCY RELIEF & DONATIONS
Emergency relief flights have been landing at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, which reopened late yesterday, as crews distributed water, food and other basic supplies.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness said up to 90% of roofs in the southwest coastal community of Black River, in St. Elizabeth parish, were destroyed. “Black River is what you would describe as ground zero,” he said. “The people are still coming to grips with the destruction.”
Bennett noted that the best way to support Jamaica’s recovery is with donations via supportjamaica.gov.jm. The site has been organized by the Jamaican government.
In collaboration with supportjamaica.gov.jm, Hurricane Melissa relief donation drop-off points are available in …
- Toronto – Jamaican Canadian Association (995 Arrow Road)
- Montreal – Jamaican Canadian Association of Montreal (4065 Rue Jean-Talon O.)
- London, ON – Jamaicans in London ON Association, Irie Market (1050 Kipps Lane) and WEAN Community Centre (150 Dundas St.)
- Mississauga – Atlas Cargo Emergency Relief Warehouse (6365 Northwest Dr.)
- Durham Region – Steven Getten, 289-996-8767, stevengetten@gmail.com
- Other provinces – Contact your Honorary Consuls or local Jamaican Community Association
“We call on all our friends and partners … let’s do this together,” said Bennett.
Following yesterday’s update from Sandals Resorts International, new messaging from The Sandals Foundation says the organization is “in full action mode. Our first relief efforts are underway in coordination with ODPEM and our partner foundations here in Jamaica. Essential supplies have already been secured, the first shipment is ready to leave Miami once clearance is granted, and water will be distributed locally to shelters between today and Thursday.”
The Sandals Foundation also notes that its first relief efforts will continue with partners including World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals, and REACT, a rapid humanitarian disaster response team out of the UK, who are making their way to Jamaica.
“Following this initial phase, we will collaborate with our partners to conduct assessments and transition into long-term recovery efforts. Our focus will be on healthcare facilities, rehabilitating schools, and reviving livelihoods in the fishing communities most affected by Hurricane Melissa,” says the foundation.
“At this time, monetary donations are the most effective and immediate way to support recovery efforts. To support these efforts, we ask that you help us by sharing the collateral attached and the link below to donate. Donations can be made under the “Relief Mission”category at SandalsFoundation.org.”
REPATRIATION FLIGHTS
The JTB’s Bennett also posted a screenshot of Oct. 30 flights into Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, with several airlines operating flights, including Air Canada. AC2164 is scheduled to land at NMIA at 2:25 p.m. today, arriving from Toronto. AC2165 will depart NMIA at 4 p.m., heading back to Toronto.
Among the many challenges now is getting travellers out and back home. Meanwhile some in-destination vacationers are sharing social media posts about deactivated key cards for their resort rooms until resorts see payment for extended stays.
Also as reported yesterday, Canada’s airlines have updated and in some cases extended their travel alerts for destinations impacted by Melissa.
In a new update posted Oct. 29, Sunwing Vacations and WestJet say they are actively working together to organize repatriation flights for guests currently in Jamaica. More details are here.
The Hurricane Melissa FAQ page on the Jamaica Tourist Board’s site, updated Oct. 29, is here.
UPDATE FROM THE CUBA TOURIST BOARD
The Cuba Tourist Board’s latest update notes that recovery is underway in eastern Cuba recovery, and that key tourist destinations remain operational.
Cuba’s tourism board notes that initial assessments confirm that while some regions sustained damage, key tourist infrastructure on the island was largely unaffected.
“Tourist infrastructure and hotel facilities suffered no serious structural damage. The primary impacts in the eastern region involved obstructed roads and damage to power and telephone lines. Necessary resources have been deployed for repairs, and it is estimated that tourist operations in Holguin will return to normal within the next five days,” says the tourism board.
While Frank Pais International airport in Holguin has been operational since early this morning, the Santiago de Cuba airport remains closed at this time.
All other major tourist destinations across the country, including Jardines del Rey, Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Havana continue to operate normally.
“Our top priority is always the safety of both our visitors and residents, and we are relieved that no lives were lost. The resilience and immediate action of our emergency services have been outstanding, and recovery efforts are progressing swiftly in the affected areas. While the east is focusing on getting back to normal, we want to reassure travellers that the rest of the island remains open and ready to welcome them with the exceptional hospitality Cuba is known for,” said the Cuba Tourist Board.
With file from The Associated Press
