They say of the Jamaican people, they are strong, they are resilient and they will rise! But seriously has our strength ever been truly tested?
Jamaica has historically been seen as one of the most beautiful places on earth, a favorite vacation spot for many. The historical sights, the natural floral, fauna and foliage, a country described as the land of wood, water, mountains and rivers, a place known for its natural resources of bauxite, sugar cane sea and sun. Did the carnage and wrought, brought on by Melissa, the largest known hurricane in modern times to hit a Caribbean island, change all that and tested us beyond measure? What of the spirit of our happy go lucky, laid-back, easy-going people? The nation with a mantra of "No Problem, Man"
I would like to take a moment to focus on the term "Resilient" being tossed around and used to describe the nature of our people in the wake of this monster. This monster that ripped off not only roofs of homes but ripped up lives. I wonder what resilience would look like for someone whose home collapsed, got flooded and livelihood uprooted. Yes I understand, that the comments coming out of the mouths of most Jamaicans who spoke on camera, in the immediate wake of the hurricane, was, the humbling "my life was spared so I will be ok" yes that indicates a spirit of resilience and fortitude...but can we now look back, some weeks later and allow folks to bare their truth with how they are grappling with the destruction? The displacement they must feel is haunting for even me, who is observing from a safe distance and in the lap of comfort here in Florida.
I've always been told that when your neighbors' house is on fire, don't just stand there watching, help them put it out and then check your own house. Well this is just what we in the diaspora have been doing. We've been working tirelessly to send aid back home, to support our families, friends and even strangers. But as we do so, we can't help but feel a sense of survivor's guilt. We're safe here, while our people are suffering there. We're watching the news, scrolling through social media, and seeing the devastation unfold, and we're left feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
But we shouldn't underestimate the power of our voices and our pockets. We can make a difference, even from thousands of miles away. We can donate to reputable organizations, send care packages, and advocate for more support for Jamaica. We can also use our platforms to share the stories of our people and to keep the conversation going about the long road to recovery ahead.
As we look forward, we must remember that recovery is not just about rebuilding houses and infrastructure. It's also about healing our people and our communities. It's about addressing the trauma and the displacement that Melissa has caused. And it's about coming together as one people, both at home and abroad, to ensure that Jamaica rises again, stronger and more resilient than ever before.
So let's not just talk about resilience as a buzzword. Let's show it through our actions and our support for one another. Let's be the light that shines through the prism of our collective experience, and let's work together to create a brighter future for Jamaica and all her people.
