Sunday, August 19th, 2007...5:37 pm
Kingston taking a pounding from Dean
Daraine Luton, Gleaner Staff Reporter
The eye of Hurricane Dean is passing just off the coast of Kingston but the city is taking a pounding from the strong winds and rains associated with the system.
Zinc roofs are flying and many signs and trees have been flattened as the powerful category four hurricane unleashes its fury.
Photo by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer: hurricane damage in Crossroads, St. Andrew.
Exposed and left at its mercy are scores of homeless, many of whom hug the piazzas of establishments hoping to be spared from Dangerous Dean.
Many interest groups had said that a helping hand would have been extended to these vulnerable persons. But as the system neared early Sunday afternoon it became clear that these less fortunate would have been made to fight for survival on their own.
Just before nightfall this evening whilst Dean’s fury hit Kingston city, all the homeless across the Corporate Area could do was to sit and wait. Wait to live; wait to die.
Feedback: daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com
23 Comments
August 19th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
You know I don’t understand this at all…can you explain it please?
This system was on its way for over a week, why didn’t they simply move to a shelter on Friday or Saturday?
August 19th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Petal,
They did not move to a shelter for the same reason that the people in New Orleans did not.
Also, they did not move to a shelter for the same reason that all the tourists are not leaving Cancun.
It wouldn’t affect them.
They could weather the storm.
They wanted to protect their property.
They wanted to protect their dogs, cats or livestock.
They are elderly and couldn’t.
They are poor and couldn’t.
They are sick and couldn’t.
They had too many children and couldn’t.
And the list goes on and on. For every person that didn’t leave, there is a reason they would not or could not.
Curious, Petal, are you in Jamaica right now?
August 19th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Interesting names, Petal and Flower.God bless you both.
August 19th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
J.U.T.A Good job sending busses to evacuate the people. Keep up the good job. Jamaica prayers are
sent your way. Keep the faith.
August 19th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
I am really worried for my family. I am praying that everybody comes out ok. This looks really bad and I just have a really bad feeling about this one.
August 19th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Esteban… you know I didn’t realise the coincidence with our ‘names’ thanks for the blessing, and the same to you.
But Flower I am in Barbados. The last time I was in Jamaica was back in 2005.
August 19th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Hi Petal…
and flower and esteban too!
Nice names alright, what a co-incidence!
Well another thought to answer that question petal, I myself was wondering the same thing.
Just read the other headline ” evacuation still not Jamaican”…you’ll get another few reasons…..one love Blessings
August 19th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
If only our people weren’t so complacent. Just imagine if it hadn’t change course, no pun intended, we would have truely experienced tragedies far beyond Gilbert. My 2cents
August 19th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
To add to the list of which comes first, the Petal or the Flower, there are many other things to consider.
As an example, look to the posting from the evacuation center in St. Catherine. It is difficult to appreciate the amount of work that must go into establishing a shelter with food, water, ice, cots, the basic comforts. The food goes bad, the water and ice become dated and have to be tossed, etc., and the absence of decent shelters leads to a resistance to evacuation.
Few people are aware that something like 80% of Orleans Parish evacuated prior to Katrina. I worry about Palisadoes, Trenchtown, Spanish Town, and the other low-lying areas, but unlike New Orleans, those areas will at least drain. New Orleans is below sea level and without power couldn’t pump out the water.
I also lived in Jamaica for several years and will be watching to see how I may be useful. Best wishes.
August 19th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
As a resident of SW Florida,our prayers to everyone for a safe journey through this tough hurricane! We know the fear & uncertainty that happens as you experience the high winds & flooding rains, we have had our share, God Bless you all.
August 19th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
To all my people in Port Royal……..Keep the faith….We are praying for you.
August 19th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Hi all. Nice to see the comments on the posts here. I’ve been listening to Jamaican radio over the internet and have heard of the devastation. God bless everyone in Dean’s path as well as their families and friends. I, too, will continue to follow this and will definitely contribute where I can to help those affected. As one who comes from earthquake country (California), I certainly know how Mother Nature can reak havoc sometimes. My prayers are with you all.
August 19th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
To all the people in St Eilizabeth……just keep the faith…….. u all are in my prayers God bless u all
August 20th, 2007 at 12:01 am
my prayers going out to you all hope you and your families are fine and well going out to you all from canada
August 20th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I note some of the comments on here , i own a home in jamaica and try to spend as much time as i can there , a great ammount of the people in jamaica have very little , and the few possesions they do own are real treasures to them, they do not want to lose anything that may have taken them years to get , things we in the weston world just take for granted , or pop down the mall and buy a new one if it gets broke or we lose it , Jamaicans are a proud people and will , given the chance work hard for what they get , i have all the respect in the world for “jamaicans ” because i have worked with them lived with them and played with them in thier world not my world , no matter how bad things are , they are quick to smile and laugh ,and always in jamaica it is always “no problem ” Weston world take note ,
Love the people , love the Country, will live my time out there,
Colin UK
August 20th, 2007 at 2:29 am
I have many family and friends there now. Port Antonio, Kingston, Montego Bay. I pray for all of you in this perilous time. As a Floridian, I know the deal, the drill and the suspense and fear that can happen. Stand strong, stay prayerful and wise. God will see you through this one too, just like the others.
I believe the will power of the Jamaican people will pull them through. To all my people, now is a time to reflect and realize we need each other, and all we worry about in life is often not what really matters. Let’s unite for the clean up and care that will be needed afterwards. LOVE.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:50 am
I consider all Jamaicans my family, and I pray that you will all come through this with the will to keep going, be there for each other and press on. I am praying especially for my family members in Kingston, Portmore, Manchester, MoBay, and Portland.
Wilsons, Salmons, Bromwels, Freckletons, Smiths,
God Bless you all.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Canada is praying for you Jamaica. Keep on keeping the faith.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:53 am
God bless Jamaica, give thanks that after all, there is no reported loss of life. Thanks very much to Power 106, an excellent job guys!! You kept us informed all night, that kept us calm. Just sorry about the shootings in Rollington town/ lower mtn view.
Thanks to everyone who are born again believers, you prayers availeth much, keep up the blog.
San
Atlanta ga
August 20th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Just like Job, each Jamiacans must say for themselves with out any doubt that ” I know that my redeemer liveth”. Inspite of what has happen God is still and will always be good!!!!!!!. “It could have been worse”!! Eternal Father bless our land guide it with thy mighty hand keep it free from evil powers, be our LIGHT through those dark and lonely hours”. Just like the Phoenix, Jamaicans will rise from the seeming ashes and stand victorious.
August 20th, 2007 at 10:24 am
I cant imagine how hard it to coordinate a evacuation in Jamaica, especially in the rural areas. I give the government “nuff respect” for even trying. I am sure this was no easy task.Like Brian i am also a floridian and understand how anxious you become. I am praying for my family in Manchester-keep the faith. As Jamaicans this is will break our spirit.
August 20th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Jamaicans you are blessed. My thoughts go out to you all. Concerned about my family in St. thomas. Anxious to hear of how much damage done to that region.
August 21st, 2007 at 5:32 am
I was supposed to attend an ACU conference at the Courtleigh hotel in Kingston from 20 - 22 August 2007. I was stuck in Miaimi and worried about the ACU colleagues in Kingston. Hope you all got through the storm OK. I am on my way back to Johannesburg.
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