Family ties stronger than vacation plans

When Kenneth*, a Jamaican resident, learned of the possibility of Hurricane Beryl passing over the island on Wednesday, not even the months of planning to meet his wife Marsha in New York (NY) for a fun-filled vacation could deter him from returning home to his mother.

The couple, who have been married for 10 years and who both work in managerial roles in Jamaica, had spent weeks planning the “fun summer stuff” for this week after their respective business trips in The City That Never Sleeps.

However, Kenneth’s mother and their daughter reside with the couple in the capital of Jamaica, and he thought it was important that one of them return home to ensure their adequate preparation for the hurricane.

So Kenneth changed his itinerary and was among the thousands of passengers who landed at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Tuesday, leaving his wife behind to visit New York alone.

“My decision to cut short my overseas vacation and return home to Jamaica was driven by a profound sense of duty and love for my family and country. In times of crisis, like the passing of Hurricane Beryl, it is essential to stand with our family and friends, offering support and strength. There is no place I’d rather be than by the side of those who need me most. Together, we will weather this storm and rebuild stronger,” he told The Gleaner.

In a telephone conversation with Marsha, she said that being away from Jamaica on vacation at a time like this was heart-wrenching as she works with a charity group and their outreach work was at its peak on Tuesday, but noted that she had already requested the time off and booked the tickets for her summer vacation.

“My heart aches for my family who are there, and my charity organisation, which is so actively involved during natural disasters. Watching videos and seeing pictures of our dedicated staff packing supplies and preparing to assist the most vulnerable makes me homesick,” Marsha told The Gleaner.

On Tuesday, several Jamaicans returned to the island ahead of the hurricane to secure their families and properties. When The Gleaner visited the NMIA, its halls were filled with passengers scurrying about ahead of its 10 o’clock closure last night in light of the looming hurricane.

In the nearby Port Royal, residents were reinforcing their roofs fisherfolk were seen securing their boats.

Several residents indicated that they would be riding out the storm at home in the seaside village.

“When you check it out, we sometimes are safer at the seaside than many persons uptown. Although Port Royal is popularly known for the 1692 earthquake, and this is a flood-prone community, we prefer to stay at home,” said a male resident, who sat at his gate among a group of associates.

“We appreciate that the Government has provided a shelter, but we are one over here. This is our home. This is where we know as home. We have our furniture and houses here. Suppose we leave and people take over and take our things like our furniture?” he pondered.

He was supported by another man from the group, who acknowledged that while there could be wisdom in moving to higher ground, it is hard to leave their boats and property behind.

“We understand what the authorities are saying about leaving and we appreciate the shelter offering, but honestly, just as how Andrew Holness would have a hard time leaving his uptown house because of a hurricane, it’s in the same breath that we have a hard time leaving our homes and livelihood,” the resident said, referring to the prime minister.

As The Gleaner left Port Royal at 3:25 p.m., a Jamaica Urban Transit Company bus arrived in the old town with residents, who leisurely offloaded groceries and headed to their respective houses.

*Names changed upon request.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com