Overcome Melissa’s tragedies

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The advent of Hurricane Melissa will remain etched in the annals of history and more so in the minds of all who experienced it firsthand all the way from Jamaica, Hispaniola, Cuba, to the Bahamas.

The loss of lives, properties, livelihoods, businesses cannot be quantitatively assessed. For years and decades to come, its effect will be lasting. However, in the midst of this devastation and dislocation, there are glimmers of hope. Hope in the form of neighbourly love, community spirit of helping and the selfless duty to work and enterprise.

But a dark side looms. These include the asinine conspiracy theories of the source of Hurricane Melissa being conjured by individuals. Political posturing when we all should be working together. Folding hands and a sense of entitlement by some of its victims. The alleged acts of stealing, looting and the resale of relief supplies. The death of the father-and-daughter team of Ignite the Fire founder Alexander Wurm and Serena in the plane crash and other unsung heroes who died trying to assist others in this weather system.

These are all a part of the tragedies of Hurricane Melissa, not just the loss of lives and properties. May we find it in our hearts to be our brothers’ keeper, do the right thing, understand that the Almighty God is watching and keeping record of our actions/inactions.

Jamaica and the other affected Caribbean territories, Melissa came and did her worst, but we can endeavour to grow and positively change the trajectory of our lives.

ANDREA DUNK