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The slow-moving Hurricane Melissa crossed over Jamaica, bringing punishing winds and rain. Despite the challenges, the resilient Jamaican people are standing strong, ready to rebuild their nation.
They made calls to neighbors to send aid and to recruit volunteers to help clear debris from streets and buildings.
This unity in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the Caribbean community. The Category 5 storm is the second most powerful to have come through the Atlantic and the worst to strike Jamaica.
Meanwhile, as Hurricane Melissa pushes forward, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas suffer devastation from Melissa, even at a category three and category two strength. Melissa hits hard with the fierceness of a scorned woman.
The impact of Melissa was comparable to that of the female Stud who confronted ICE agents in a New York federal building. The she/he shows a fierce determination to fight men. That was a coarse, female stud. “I hit hard,” the Stud said to the agents.
Angry Stud Takes On ICE Agents. That 80% Man Probably Would Beat The Agent’s Ass. That’s a Bad Stud.
The Death Toll.
Authorities in Haiti have reported 20 casualties. And at least five storm-related deaths have been reported by Jamaican officials. Between the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, thirty-six people have died because of Hurricane Melissa. The authorities continue their assessment of the dire straits Melissa left in her wake.
The UN estimates 1,000,000 Jamaicans have been affected by Melissa. According to Ivonne Rodriguez-Wiewall, Executive Director of Direct Caribbean Relief, the organization has begun distributing food and medicine to affected residents of Caribbean nations. Several other relief organizations are on the Island assessing damage and rendering aid as quickly as they can.
Strengthen The Building Codes.
With the widespread devastation brought on by Hurricane Melissa, this is an opportune time for the government to strengthen the building codes for future construction. A rebuilt infrastructure would help to reduce mudslides and save lives and property.
Just before the hurricane hits Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, “I don’t believe that there are any buildings in the region built to survive a category five hurricane. For future construction, this is the ideal time to enhance building codes where possible.
Playing the cards of depending on the mountains to reduce the impact of storms is not enough. The number one priority of government is to protect the lives of its citizens.’
“Think globally, act locally.”
It is crucial to be forward-thinking but not a forward person. “Be kind to everyone you meet because each carries his heavy burden…” Plato.
Embrace the three Constants: change, justice, and rightness.
The thought police are busy at work trying to suppress free speech. If allowed their march to madness, they will arrest your very thoughts.
Free Speech is thy Lord.’
