With wind speeds at 185 mph on Tuesday October 28, 2025, Jamaica witnessed the most dreadful, destructive, horrific, and intense hurricane—hurricane Melissa. Setting landfall on the island, the category 5 hurricane has been reported to be the slowest but most ferocious to ever pass through the island. Entering from the southwestern coast (New Hope, Westmoreland) and traveling through the western and southern region of the island, communities were left unrecognizable.
Days after the category 5 hurricane, Jamaicans are left distraught and homeless. Having limited preparation for an impact so great, over a combined total of 116,000 houses and infrastructures were destroyed, foods were contaminated, families are losing loved ones daily, and the question is asked “what shall we do?”- anonymous.
” The damages done on the island equates to roughly 6 billion USD [which] brackets about 28 to 32 percent of the country’s prior year’s gross domestic product (GDF)”-Jamaican Gleaner Newspaper
Recently, there have been updates that there are 20 unentered districts that were affected by the impact. Helicopters are reported to have no landing place, limiting supplies and help. As citizens cling to the last thread of hope, their conditions are worsening. Human remains and caskets are seeping up from their resting place, while the living has no choice but to live in their own feces and that of the animals.
Restoring a degree of hope, the world joined hands and rallied to support this resilient island. America donated 1 million USD to aid in the repair and restoration of the island and vulnerable families. El Salvador provided 300 El Salvadorian rescuers and 50 tons of humanitarian aid following the destruction. Venezuela contributed 40 tons of aid to the island as well as Australia, Canada, Trinidad, United Kingdom, Cuba, France etc., making their own contributions. Additionally, independent organizations have vowed their support to the island, sending containers of essentials to the affected families.
In a parliamentary meeting on November 4, 2025, Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness, shared that the damages done on the island equates to roughly 6 billion usd. Being a “major hit to [Jamaica’s] economy” Holness stated the approximate US$6 billion bracket about 28 to 32 percent of the country’s prior year’s gross domestic product (GDF), as reported by the Jamaican Gleaner.
Withstanding the tragedy, Prime Minister Holness and government officials are working effortlessly to bring relief and life to the island as conditions permit. Thus far the country has confirmed over 32 deaths, with numbers projecting to rise, but Holness pledged in the November 4th parliament that all hurricane Melissa victims will be accounted for, even if exhumation is required.
For many of us attending Fairchild Wheeler Campus, these are “not distant tragedies, but personal realities that touch loved ones, friends and cultural roots” said Bridgeport Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery.
