Jamaican farm workers in Nova Scotia are preparing for challenges upon their return to their homeland, which is still reeling from the severe aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The powerful Category 5 hurricane struck on October 28, claiming the lives of at least 45 individuals and displacing 30,000 households.
Workers who come to Nova Scotia annually have been receiving distressing updates from their families regarding the extensive devastation across Jamaica. Kensley Richards, who is employed at Taproot Farms in Port Williams, N.S., shared that the damage in his hometown of Manchester in west-central Jamaica was catastrophic, with numerous homes completely destroyed.
Richards, who has been working in Nova Scotia since 2008 to support his family, revealed that his own property in Jamaica, which includes animals and crops, was also significantly affected by the hurricane. He expressed his determination to return home to assess the damage and begin the arduous task of rebuilding.
Amid the challenges, support from the local community has been crucial for the workers. Efforts to raise funds for the affected farmers are underway in Port Williams and surrounding areas. Additionally, Nova Scotia-based singer Jah’Mila, originally from Jamaica, is organizing a relief concert in Halifax on November 29 to aid the hurricane-ravaged regions.
Jah’Mila has initiated a donation campaign for essential supplies like tarps, ropes, batteries, clothing, food, and school supplies. The supplies will be assembled into care packages by volunteers and sent to Jamaica to assist those in need. The singer emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that some areas may remain without electricity until January.
The collaboration and generosity of Nova Scotians have not gone unnoticed by the Jamaican workers, who are grateful for the assistance. Patrick Smith, another worker at Taproot Farms, shared his relief upon finally hearing from his family after a week of uncertainty following the storm, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.
As the workers prepare to return home to help rebuild their communities, they expressed their gratitude to everyone who has extended a helping hand during this challenging time.
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