Well folks, within 2 days of Hurricane Dean my electricity was restored. I consider myself fortunate to have had electricity up to 2 pm on the day of the hurricane as well as water, throughout the hurricane. I spent the first 2 “post-Dean” days eating KFC and boiling water on my patio on a little camper gas stove. I am also fortunate to have neighbours who look out for each other and it reminds me that no matter how many bad things are said about Jamaica and Jamaicans, there are still good people around!
One of the things I noticed about the “post-Dean” era, is that we are truly a society of instant gratification. In 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert struck Jamaica, I was one of those persons who was experiencing a serious hurricane for the first time. Allen (1980) had just missed us. I remember the evening before Gilbert and how the sun shone brightly that my family didn’t really take it seriously. I was not perturbed as I thought it would just be a case of heavy rain and wind…nothing unusual. So, I borrowed 2 Danielle Steele novels and decided that I would read them during the storm.
When Gilbert hit I was in shock. I remember how the wind threatened to remove parts of my shingle roof. I remember the rain blowing in through the windows, creating a swimming pool in my living room. I remember running over to my neighbour’s house during the eye of the storm to make sure all was well and since they had a gas stove and we didn’t, we had to ask them to boil up some water for us. I also remember driving through New Kingston after the storm and watched the curtains and files at NCB New Kingston, blowing away. The damage was devastating to say the least. What is most significant about the aftermath of Gilbert is the recovery period. Anyone who is over 35, reading this and lived here through Gilbert must remember that it took some persons up to 10 weeks for their electricity to be restored and nearly as long (in some cases) for water to be restored. Corned Beef was the appetizer, main course and dessert for some people for nearly 10 weeks. One had to learn how to bathe in a teaspoon for nearly 10 weeks. There were many inconveniences which we suffered, but most people did not complain. Even the telephone service was out for up to 10 weeks after Gilbert. Jamaica learned her lesson and changes occurred, such as placing cables underground.
When I compare today’s hurricane seasons to that of 20 years ago, I have to thank the public utility companies for keeping this country intact. To think that electricity was restored within 24 hours in some places and the fact that our telephone services in some cases, were still working…as far as I am concerned we have come a long way. I would like us all to remember those who suffered and are still suffering. I listened to several shows on the radio during the hurricane and I was scared for those who were calling from communities that, even during the howling of the wind and the thrashing of the rain, heard gun shots barking throughout the night. I think that this is a time when we need to think more of others and less of ourselves. Even today, 3 days prior to the General Election, there are persons who are still suffering…no roof…no food….no house…no water….I pray that the hurricane relief efforts will be distributed quickly and fairly…….
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