The JTB’s Angella Bennett provides an update on devastating Hurricane Melissa

Describing Hurricane Melissa as an official disaster, Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the Jamaica Tourist Board shared that the storm has had a destructive impact on the south coast of the island, an area that was already damaged by Hurricane Beryl, making it a “devastating double whammy.” 

Although wind speeds have lessened, she pointed out that the pressure per millibar has now intensified, making it extremely dangerous as the storm is forecasted to hit the west coast, including areas like Montego Bay before making its way to Ocho Rios. 

“It’s quite devastating. Trees are down, power lines are down. It’s still on top of Jamaica and the impact is all over,” she shared, noting that she’s been in constant communication with teammates at the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre as the country continues its comprehensive preparedness and response efforts. “This is a category 5 Hurricane and the island has historically never had this category before. We are as prepared as we can be but no one can be prepared for a category 5. It’s impacting the island, especially the south side of the island, so Saint Elizabeth, that already got so much damage from Hurricane Beryl last year, it is again getting a beating from this hurricane. We consider this area a disaster. They are experiencing category 5 winds of over 165/mph and storm surges, flooding, loss of vegetation, this area is quite a strong agricultural area so you can imagine the disruption to their livelihood.”

Although it’s too early to get a full picture of the destruction, Bennett encouraged advisors and travellers not to cancel travel plans that are more than several weeks out and to continue booking Jamaica this winter season. 

“We are a strong and resilient nation. We hope to restore the destination as quickly as possible,” she noted, adding that she anticipates that resort areas will have power back and be ready to welcome guests within two-to-three weeks with clean beachfronts, although excursions and road ways may be disrupted for longer. 

Encouraging the industry to come together for Jamaica 

“With such a massive storm, help will definitely be needed,” she added. 

In addition to organizations like Red Cross and Global Medic, Bennett shared that there are other initiatives also needing donations following recovery efforts such as Wings Kidz, a Montego Bay-based after school program for inner city kids that are falling behind in the classroom.

Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) is also calling for support of its relief efforts, which will be designated to assist areas most affected in both the short- and long-term recovery efforts.

“Hurricane Melissa is disrupting lives across Jamaica, and families are facing devastating loss. Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation needs everyone’s support now so we can provide immediate relief and begin rebuilding, especially for the children, their schools, and their communities,” noted Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation founder Karl Hale. 

Tax deductible donations can be made at: https://helpinghandsjamaica.com/donate.

Bennett added that HHJF’s annual school build project will take place in January in Treasure Beach, located on the south coast, in the area that was already severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl. 

This week Marsha Coore-Lobban, the High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada has also called meetings with diaspora organizations across the country in an effort to mobilize support for Jamaica after the storm passes. 

Tourism partners and visitors who require assistance can contact the TEOC by phone at (876) 382-6712, (658) 213-2802, (658) 213-2803, (658) 213-2804 or via WhatsApp at (876) 469-0265 or by emailing [email protected].