Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 3, 2022
By Jean Lowrie-Chin
The extensive flooding we experienced when Hurricane Ian passed south of us was nothing compared to the devastation it wreaked in Cuba and Florida. The videos are reminiscent of our Gilbert experience and the losses have been heartbreaking. So far there have been six deaths in Cuba and 65 deaths in Florida.
I have appealed on social media for assistance for Cuba as they have never failed to send personnel to support our health-care system. I believe that grateful Jamaicans would contribute to the effort.
There was widespread criticism of Jamaica’s authorities regarding the flooded areas but as we see from the highly developed state of Florida, no amount of drainage infrastructure could have stood up to the deluge of a hurricane.
Let me hasten to say, however, that the pile-up of garbage all over the island is a health crisis. A news report a few months ago showed rats running in and out of garbage heaps; we could have a leptospirosis threat on our hands. It should be noted that dumping offenders include businesses who are not managing their waste. However, the final responsibility rests with the National Solid Waste Management Authority, which can act against lawbreakers even as they address the ever-increasing garbage on our roads.
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