CHICAGO (WLS) — What could be a catastrophic storm will be hit Jamaica on Tuesday.
Some in the Chicago area know all too well the damage hurricanes can inflict on the island. Now, they are readying themselves to help with whatever recovery is needed.
Ephraim Martin has been on the phone a lot.
“Right now, we are getting through OK on WhatsApp, but we don’t know what it’s going to be after tonight,” Martin said.
He is the president of Martin’s International, which produces several festivals and events in the Chicago area, and he is a son of Jamaica.
“We know that tonight, most people will be off the street and taking proper caution,” Martin said.
Hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans are believed to have family origins in Jamaica. And many now are watching as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa gets closer.
“The condition of their homes is just outrageous. Terrible water leaking in, no bed to sleep on. It’s just horrific,” said Patricia Gordon.
Gordon is the executive director of the Chicago Caribbean Carnival. She plans to go to Jamaica as soon as the storm passes to help her relatives.
“It’s been very, very sad and worrisome. When I get the phone calls, we are unable to hear each other. It’s just a sad moment right now,” Gordon said.
“There will likely be mudslides a lot of power lines and things that will affect the infrastructure of the country,” said Lester Barclay.
Barclay is the Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Chicago. He says for the island, which many know as a vacation destination, to recover, it will require help from more than just those who feel a personal connection to people of Jamaica.
“A lot of people who love Jamaica and have had fond memories of the island; many people have gone there for weddings and vacations. We want those people to be sensitive to the need,” Barclay said.
While no one knows what the next hours hold, those ABC7 spoke with anticipate the needs will be great.
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