After Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, leaving widespread damage and flooding, one Steinbach resident is doing what he can to help. Steinbach’s Neville Hamilton, originally from Jamaica, still has family and friends living in the St. Catherine region. He says he’s been in contact with them, and thankfully, they are safe. “I mean, they received some damages to property and stuff like that. They're alive, that's the main thing, right? So, whatever they lost or whatever is needed to be repaired, they can do it.” Hamilton says he is thankful that the worst is over. However, the country still has to face the aftermath of the storm. “We're grateful to God that this thing has passed and we're seeing hope. Because yeah, it could be so different because this is the strongest storm that they ever see in Jamaica, I understand. And a lot of places are suffering right now with the backlog of the rains and the flooding.” He notes there will be significant cleanup ahead, including repairing roads and water lines. Hamilton says the storm has had a devastating impact, especially on Jamaica’s southwest side. “That's what I can see on the news and also from what I hear. Lots of people lost their homes and even some of the hospitals, some of the places that you think you would run for refuge, they are destroyed. And like this is going to take some serious effort to get Jamaica back on its feet or semi there, so functional.” While Hamilton is safe in Steinbach, his heart is with his home country. “And not just people who are our families, but the other people who are suffering mostly. The people who are not really able to provide sufficiently in this period for themselves and their families.” He says he has been working with the IRAL Creatives Youth Group to come up with ways to support relief efforts in Jamaica. “One of the things that I think we can do is do some fundraising, maybe ask some neighbours, some friends, if they'll donate to Jamaica. And find a means and ways that we can actually make this happen.” Hamilton hopes Canadians who have visited Jamaica will consider giving back. “I know lots of people that love taking a trip to Jamaica. Now Jamaica needs help. Jamaica always provides that comfort spot, vacation, food, culture, and all of that stuff to visitors to Jamaica. So, we want to make sure that Jamaicans are okay this time around. We need to just jump on board and support them in any way we can.” He adds that Steinbach is known for its generosity and hopes the community will rally behind the cause. “We're inviting the Steinbach region and the surrounding areas to reach out to us. And so, we can actually talk and find a pathway how to help Jamaica at this moment.” With files from Kenton Dyck