A Jamaican-born carpenter is planning to head to the West Indies to help with reconstruction following the devastation brought about by Hurricane Melissa.
The storm hit Jamaica on October 28 with winds of up to 185mph, leaving chaos in its wake. The government there said at least 28 people had lost their lives.
Gary Samuels came to Britain in 2007 and currently lives with his wife, Heather, and 17-year-old daughter in Sherwood, in Tunbridge Wells.
He said: “I grew up in Jamaica and we were hit by a hurricane in 1980 when I was 12. So I saw just what destruction it can cause. But this hurricane was even worse.”
Mr Samuels, 57, said he was worried about the situation of his extended family still living in Hanover, on the western side of the stricken island.
They include his 84-year-old mother, Joyce Samuels, and four siblings and their families.
He said: “It destroyed their homes and their livelihoods. They have nothing left.
“Where we lived in the Retrieve District was already a very poor area.
“As soon as the airport fully reopens, I am jumping on a plane and flying out to see what I can do.
“I am a carpenter and tradesman. There will be things I can do to help, not just my family, but the wider community.”
Mr Samuels anticipates spending several months in Jamaica. He has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for his trip and to buy essential relief items for his family, such as tarpaulins and zinc sheets to build shelters.
Mr Samuels said: “It is so sad. There will be no Christmas in Jamaica for hundreds of thousands of Jamaican children. No schools. Nothing for them to do and nowhere for them to go.”
Heather Samuels has spoken to Gary’s nephew, who has reported from the area.
She said: “He walked from Montego Bay to Hanover to check on his family. Walking was the only way as the roads were impassible.
“The island used to be so green and lush. Now it is just brown.
“All the trees have gone. All blown away by the wind and a metre of rain which fell. No houses left standing.”
You can donate here.
At the time of writing his appeal had raised more than £2,300.
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