Bro. Nathan & Sis. Antonia Giordano (CBMC link couple for Jamaica), along with Bro. David Giordano, traveled across Jamaica in December to visit brothers and sisters affected by Hurricane Melissa. Their purpose was to assess storm damage and offer encouragement and fellowship to those who have endured extraordinary hardship. What follows is a day-by-day account of their journey across the island and the people they were blessed to visit.

Every household received a care package containing rice, tinned sardines, packet tuna, cereal bars, ramen, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary products, flashlights, and batteries–a small a token of the love and care of the brotherhood. Families with children also received vitamins, children’s Tylenol, and tins of Milo.

Monday, 15th – Argyle Mountain

The first visit was to Sis Maxine in Argyle Mountain, who lives with her husband, three grown children and a granddaughter, Alecia. The family suffered severe storm damage—the entire front of their home was destroyed. Living conditions are very cramped: three generations now share a single room, while Maxine’s adult son sleeps in an unfinished bathroom.

 

They have worked tirelessly to clear debris and are attempting to build a new room at the back of the house using salvaged materials. They currently have no electricity, with restoration not expected until summer 2026. Water remains a major challenge: although their storage tanks survived, the roof catchment system was torn away. Water is now trucked into the area and must be carried uphill to their home. There has been no trash collection for two months, adding to health concerns. Alecia’s primary school was badly damaged, so she remains out of school.

Clothing, food, hygiene supplies, and encouragement were delivered, and the damage was documented. The wider community of Argyle Mountain has been devastated, with many homes affected.

 

The visitors also stopped at the damaged meeting hall and visited Sis Janetta, who lost her roof during the storm. She huddled in prayer as the wind and rain battered her. While the house remains livable, a side room collapsed, and parts of the porch were torn away. Her grandson managed to recover and reattach the zinc roofing. A care package was given, and she expressed deep gratitude for the visit.

Tuesday, 16th – Ocho Rios

The day was spent with Sis Shauna and Sis Ali in Ocho Rios. They were taken shopping for essentials and then treated to lunch.

The time together allowed for conversations about life, the storm, and spiritual matters. Both sisters spoke of how the hurricane has deepened their gratitude for life and reinforced their reliance on God. Despite very difficult circumstances, they remain faithful, warm, and deeply encouraging.

 

Wednesday, 17th – Negril

Traveling from Montego Bay to Negril, the visitors spent time with Bro Ray. Though his health and memory are declining, he remains cheerful and eager to talk about the Truth. He noted with gratitude that God has always preserved him through storms, and his property sustained only minor damage.

His niece Jenny, who manages his hotel, has worked tirelessly to restore operations after the hurricane and provides devoted care to Bro Ray. Like so many Jamaicans, she has carried a heavy load in the aftermath of the storm.

 

Thursday, 18th – Broughton

In Broughton, the first stop was Sis Carolee, who suffered little physical damage but—like many—was deeply shaken by what was described repeatedly as the worst storm anyone could remember.

Brief visits followed with Bro Leonard, and then at the hall with Brothers Paul and Alverie, where care packages were left for those not seen in person. Sisters Beryl and Eunice were also visited.

Bro Paul outlined several urgent needs at the Broughton hall, including termite infestation, bats nesting under the roof, storm-damaged electrical lines and a torn zinc porch roof.

 

Nearby, Sis Jennifer shared her heartbreaking situation: half of her house—including her kitchen and bedroom—was destroyed. She now sleeps on a mattress in her daughter’s room and has lost most of her furniture. Her water tank was also damaged. She shared how, as a child with no shoes, the Christadelphian meeting was the only church that welcomed her—and how thankful she has been for God’s presence in her life.

That evening, travel continued toward Treasure Beach, passing through New Hope and Black River, areas struck directly by the eye of the hurricane. The level of destruction in this area is almost beyond belief.

 

Friday, 19th – Round Hill, May Pen

In Round Hill, care packages were distributed throughout the community. Time was spent with Sis Bev, who needs new power lines to connect her home to the street after the storm took hers, and Sis Joy, who lost half her roof and is working toward rebuilding with a concrete deck roof while staying with her daughter at night.

 

Many others were visited—Sis Lasmine, Sis Del, Bro T, Sis Daphne, Sis Ronique, and Sis Monique—offering hugs, prayerful encouragement, and assurance of the love of the worldwide brotherhood. Some members were away helping rebuild Bro Andy and Sis Delona’s heavily damaged home in Mt Pleasant.

Later that day, there was a brief visit in May Pen with Bro Melvin, Sis Kharma, and Bro Patrick (visiting from New York), followed by dinner at Leroy and Loraine’s home.

 

Saturday, 20th – Debrief and Looking Ahead

The final day was spent debriefing with Bro Leroy and Sis Loraine. Among the key insights shared was the urgent need for solar lights, chargers, fans, and coolers, especially for those facing long-term power outages. Their deep care for the welfare of all Jamaican members was evident, and the discussions helped clarify priorities for ongoing support.

Key Needs and Recommendations

The team came away with a solid idea of the needs of the brothers and sisters across the island, including:

• Partial home rebuilds and furniture replacement needed by various members.
• Electrical and other repairs needed for individual homes and ecclesial halls.
• Solar equipment for members without power.
• Possible stipend support to help offset sharply increased food costs.

We thank you for the generous donations received so far.  Additional information will be shared in next month’s newsletter that will explain our total CBMA/CBMC budget and updated financial needs in Jamaica.  Efforts are underway to get this relief moving as fast as possible.

This visit revealed both great need and remarkable faith. Despite trauma and loss, our brothers and sisters in Jamaica continue to trust in God, serve one another, and find strength in the hope of His Kingdom. We pray this report will help guide thoughtful, loving support in the months ahead.