Hurricane Victims Hopeful After Visit by PM and CARICOM Heads

The visit to Whitehouse and adjoining communities in Westmoreland by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and CARICOM Heads, on November 17, is being viewed by some residents as a sign of hope for better things to come.

While readily acknowledging that the visit, which also included representatives of several international lending agencies, will not immediately fix the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, the residents said their plight is being highlighted and will get some attention.

They told JIS News of mounting frustration, citing miles of destruction along the roadway, roof damage, loss of electricity and inability to communicate properly, a severe lack of potable water, and fragile shelter conditions.

“We are way beyond complaining as we have run out of complaints and who to complain to,” said Icilda Brown, a Whitehouse resident.

“Even if they can’t assist with anything, seeing these people [Heads of Government] here today brings hope. I lost everything,” she said.

Belmont resident, Angela Farquharson, told JIS News of the sheer scale of loss in her community.

“We’ve faced days of not knowing what to do…hurricane destroy everything. I am here today because the Prime Minister is taking a good look with people that can help. I like the things they are saying. We need a break,” she said.

Christine Burnett, another Whitehouse resident who suffered extensive damage, described the devastation in personal terms.

“There are miles of grief on both sides of the road. The wind blew roofs away and left many families without shelter,” she said.

“We need help—real help—to restore water, power, and most importantly, a roof over our heads. I have to be living with my sister who didn’t get it as bad as me,” Ms. Burnett said.

The CARICOM leaders, including Prime Minister Holness, emphasised that the visit served not only as a moment of solidarity, but also as a chance to assess urgent needs and coordinate support.

Representatives from the international lending agencies, including the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) gave a commitment to fast-track assessments, funding proposals, and technical assistance essential to stabilising communities in the near term and laying groundwork for sustainable recovery.

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali said “one would have to be here to fully appreciate and understand the level of devastation.”

“Guyana will be doing as much as we can for our brothers and sisters of Jamaica,” he told JIS News.

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, remarked that, “today is Jamaica…tomorrow could be one of us.”

Prime Minister Holness also acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a comprehensive recovery strategy.

He underscored the importance of collaboration with CARICOM partners and international financiers to accelerate relief efforts and infrastructure rehabilitation.

“Today, we stand with you. This visit signals that Whitehouse and its adjoining communities are not forgotten. We will work with you and all our partners to restore homes, restore water supply, repair roads, and rebuild livelihoods. The road to normal life may be challenging, but we must walk it together,” Prime Minister Holness told the residents.

The visit also included a walk-through of affected areas in Whitehouse, discussions with residents, and a briefing on ongoing relief operations, including shelter arrangements, food distribution, and water purification measures.

Local authorities stressed that immediate needs include secure shelter solutions, reliable water supply, power restoration, and debris clearance to reopen critical routes for emergency services and daily life.