“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike” ~ Maya Angelou.

The recent visit of Hurricane Melissa to Jamaica has, in addition to the human suffering and devastating loss of property and agriculture, resulted in the destruction of the historic town of Black River, a town whose existence was noted on a map of 1685.  Located close to the banks of the river, it was vital to the trafficking  and auctioning of newly arrived enslaved Africans.  Unsurprisingly, it became a thriving and wealthy town (for the owners of those enslaved), and was a busy seaport, exporting logwood, rum, pimento and cattle skin.  By the beginning of the 20^th century, it was second only to Kingston in importance.

Some of the famous Jamaican firsts happened in this town.  In 1893 it was the first town to have electricity, powered by a steam-engine generator fed with logwood.  The first car owner lived in Black River.  It was also the first town to have piped water and telephone service.

There were many impressive buildings in the town, reflecting the Georgian and Victorian architecture of the time.  Some of these were stone buildings, others constructed at least partially of wood.  It was also the site of the Black River Mineral Springs, a popular attraction in the 18^th century.  We know of course that it was popular among the landowning, White citizens, at a time when those of African descents were either themselves property, or part of the rebellious Maroons that had escaped slavery to live up in the hills.

Melissa, it seems, cared not one whit for History.  In her passage through the Western end of the island she scoured Black River (and other areas) of its landmarks, trashed the entire landscape, stripped trees of bark, leaves and limbs, and left thousands of people homeless.  Thanks to the rainfall and the storm surge, massive flooding throughout Jamaica (not limited to the Western end of the island) has resulted in roads being destroyed, hillsides (and their contents) being washed away, and up to today, ten days later, some communities still marooned and underwater. 

The devastation is compounded by the breakdown in our normal channels of communication.  Loss of power and cell phone service means that families of those affected may not even have spoken to their loved ones, may in fact still not know whether or not they even survived the storm or its aftereffects.  Social media has tried to provide an unofficial site for locating loved ones.  Communities have set up pages for others to check in and search the entries for mention or sight of those who are incommunicado.

The Jamaican Government, along with many NGOs and other charitable organizations are doing their best to reach those who are lacking the most fundamental necessities of life (food, water, shelter, clothing), and individuals have been inspired to start their own campaigns, collecting essential items and funds to try to assist their own families.  But this will be a long road to recovery, and it is to be hoped that there is great thought being put into the best way to achieve a sustainable recovery, one which incorporates the wisest of mankind’s understanding of how to grow and rebuild without further damage to the climate.

It is not coincidental that these things are happening, that a hurricane spawned off the coast of Haiti (not Africa) was able to rev up into a powerful Category 5+ storm, with (potentially) winds of over 200 mph.  It is not coincidental that all over the world (check out Typhoon Kalmaegi which has killed almost 200 in the Philippines and is also wreaking havoc in Vietnam) we are seeing more and more extreme weather events.  In 2024 there were 27 confirmed weather-related disasters in the US with costs of over $1 billion each.  And yet we are still lagging in addressing those activities which are fueling the rising temperatures, and the current administration has canceled billions of dollars in clean energy projects that could mitigate some of the harm we have already done to the planet.

For some it is easy to see Biblical comparisons in these ‘natural’ disasters, to see the hand of a vengeful God punishing the sinful. For those less religious, the science behind climate change points very clearly to a society that continues to produce and consume without regard to the consequences.  And yet, despite all the evidence, global leaders act as if this is a problem for future generations to worry about.  Despite all of the alarms, all of the measurements of harm to the planet, we are not implementing significant changes to protect our grandchildren’s future.

For the short-term, we can focus on those in need, and do all we can to assist.  I was reminded of the Bible verse: ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’, and it is human to want to help.  But until we change the way we are living on this planet, we will continue to see tragedies unfold on one of our several televisions, tablets, laptops and smart phones.  It will require sacrifice, for most of us in the developed world are addicted to convenience, disposability, and waste.  A quick search of the internet reveals that top 10% of those producing CO2 emissions are responsible for almost 50% of the emissions harming the planet, most of them living in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Europe and China.  But the ill effects of these emissions are global. 

The good news is that there are solutions, there are responsible, socially conscious actions that can be implemented, but we must have the desire for these to take place.  This week in the US we saw evidence that ‘We the People’ are powerful, and can bring about change in leadership through the democratic activity of voting.  This requires involvement, engagement, and research into what elected leaders stand for.  This requires seeing ourselves as part of a community, where each one is affected by the activities of others.

In the small, damaged towns in Jamaica, we are hearing that it is the sense of community that is saving lives.  Neighbors sheltered neighbors at the height of the storm and are continuing to share accommodations now.  Resources are being shared.  An old reggae song from many years ago said: ‘Do you know social living is the best’.  When we look out for our fellow man, when we live selflessly, when we ‘live simply, so others may simply live’ we build a better future.  And our children are watching. 

This Friday morning, when South Floridians look forward in anticipation to cooling temperatures, I hope you will find some way to reduce your own carbon footprint.  I hope you will make sure that you participate in the democratic process, whatever your inclinations, remembering that we are all in this together.  And, along with all Jamaicans at home and abroad, I hope that meaningful help will reach all of those affected by Melissa, not to mention those who are battling climate disasters around the world. 

Have a great weekend, Family!

One Love!

Namaste.