An update on the lives of members impacted by the Hurricane
By Rev. Olando Gayle
July 3, 2025 marks the anniversary of Hurricane Beryl, which ravaged the Southern parishes of Jamaica. So extensive was the destruction of this Category 4 hurricane, that many were convinced it was actually Category 5. Hurricane Beryl washed away farms, and destroyed chicken coops. The roofs of homes, churches, rectories, and tanks “peeled away” leaving family members and furniture exposed to the elements; fruit and lumber trees were blown down, and many were left without electricity, telephone and internet services for several months. Some of our buildings that sustained extensive damage include: St. John’s-Black River, St. Peter’s-Pedro Plains, All Saint’s-Newell, the Pedro Plains Rectory, St. Mary’s-Southfield, St. Mark’s-Mayfield, the Southfield Cure Rectory and St. Michael & All Angels-New Forest.
Diocese of Jamaica to the Rescue
Even as many individuals and churches continue the rebuilding and restoration process, one year after this catastrophic event, the generosity of our members in restoring our churches and rectories cannot be overlooked. Of note is the leading role that the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (through the Jamaica Church Missionary Society – J.C.M.S.) played in providing assistance to members who were impacted in the Southfield Cure, the Pedro Plains Cure, and the Gilnock/Santa Cruz Cure, via buying construction materials to aid members restore their homes and livelihood. The material included: zinc, boards, nails, celotex, cement, and steel. In expressing gratitude for these timely gifts from the diocese, one member stated, “Mi tank di church fi helping mi, cause me never have it.” Members who also received sheets of zinc to rebuild their chicken coops expressed gratitude for the Diocese’s consideration to offer help in the spirit of anonymity, so that their dignity was preserved as they sought to put their lives back together. From these items donated, one can see that members felt a sense of belonging, knowing that their church actually cared about them. This was exemplified in a comment shared by a beneficiary, “It feels good to be an Anglican, and to know that my church remembers and cares for me.”
People With a Heart of Love
Additionally, there were certain anonymous donors from our churches, who assisted members who needed help to repair their homes. These donors not only aided in the restoration of the churches, but in restoring the livelihood of our members. These benefactors include overseas donors, and the family of Rev. Astley Lindo, who provided tarpaulins for members in the early phase of the disaster. We are certainly God’s hands and God’s feet, and so it was very encouraging for members of the church to cater to the needs of the less fortunate among us. This is what Church should be about, wherein we seek to provide assistance to the vulnerable and destitute. Let us keep this flame of always helping our brothers and sisters alive, bearing in mind that in the Early Church, the members used their resources to help those who were in need (Acts 2:45).
Status of Restoration of Churches and Rectories Impacted by Hurricane Beryl
As it relates to the restoration of our churches, in the Southfield Cure, we are grateful to God for the generosity and support of members in completing the repairs of St. Mark’s, Mayfield, St. Mary’s, Southfield, and the partial completion of the repairs (90%) at the rectory. The restoration of the damaged windows at St. Alban’s, Stanmore is currently on the way. Thanks, must be expressed to the Anderson Family, Southco Ltd, Junction Pharmacy, the Attorneys, Winnie Copeland, Keithel Kennedy, Janet Gordon, Bernard Dennis, Basil Blake, St. George’s Grand Cayman, the diaspora of St. Mary’s Church, and many other members and friends who provided meaningful assistance be it in cash, kind, or time.
At St. Stephen’s, Nain the repair to the church roof has been completed, and gratitude is being expressed to oversees donors coordinated by Shirley Greaves. In the Pedro Plains Cure, thanks are being expressed to all churches in the cure for their assistance in re-roofing the rectory, All Saint’s, Newell and St. Paul’s, Barbary Hall. Thanks especially to Mr. Michael Buchanan, Clayton Rodgers, Annakay Henry, Mr. & Mrs. Eric James, David Haye and Leota Gayle, and Hope Centre of Jamaica.
At the moment, the reconstruction of the church roof, for the mother church (St. Peter’s, Pedro Plains), is being passionately pursued, and the same applies to the repair work at the Black River Parish Church. The work at St. Michael & All Angels, New Forest is also, yet to commence. Therefore, they are asking for contributions to be made – be it from individuals or businesses – towards these rebuilding efforts. As our churches and families continue to recover from the passage of the storm, on this the anniversary of Hurricane Beryl, we pray for God’s blessings and strength, as well as a determined and persevering spirit to press on as we seek to have our churches, homes and livelihoods restored. We may not be able to recover as quickly as we had hoped, but with God’s help and encouragement, we shall rise again.
