KINGSTOWN, JAMAICA — The Dominican friars serving in Kingston, Jamaica, have reported that they are safe following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island this week and caused significant devastation in several regions. According to Reuters, at least 49 people died in the storm, across the Caribbean.
In a message shared with the brethren in the English Province, fr. Bede Mullens, OP, expressed gratitude for the prayers and concern shown during the storm and provided an update on the situation.
While Kingston was “only skirted by the hurricane,” and no major damage was sustained to the Dominican community’s buildings, the friars have been without power and water since Monday evening. “Melissa came upon us rather unexpectedly,” fr. Bede wrote. “The longer Melissa kept us in suspense, the worse the reports of her became.”
The friars have been able to access limited electricity and internet through a local church’s generator. Despite the disruption to daily life, fr. Bede noted that the Dominican community’s difficulties are small compared to the widespread destruction in other parts of the island. “Many parishioners are worried sick about relatives they cannot contact and family plots on the west side of the island that have presumably been submerged or swept away,” he said.
Contribute to hurricane relief efforts
Fr. Clifton Harris, OP, is assisting local Church efforts to coordinate relief. The areas most affected by the hurricane include Jamaica’s “bread basket” region, raising concerns about shortages of staple foods and rising prices in the months ahead. The friars ask the wider Dominican family to continue praying for the people of Jamaica and for those suffering in the aftermath of the storm.
Support for relief efforts may be directed through St. Martin’s Mission Appeal, which will dedicate a significant portion of this year’s funds to assisting communities affected by the hurricane.
“With All Saints’ and All Souls’ approaching,” fr. Bede wrote, “we will be assuring our parishioners of prayers from the UK and remembering you in turn in our prayers.”
Please continue to keep the people of Jamaica and our brothers in your prayers.
