Hurricane Melissa is poised to strike Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm — the strongest to hit the island since recordkeeping began 174 years ago. Residents are bracing for torrential rain, landslides, and devastating winds that threaten to upend the nation.
As one of the world’s top destinations for cannabis tourism, known for its rich history with the plant and ideal growing climate, Jamaica’s crisis is being closely watched by the global cannabis community, many of whom are eager to help.
RELATED: Another country is set to legalize medical marijuana — with a catch
Matt Lamoureux is a U.S.-based entrepreneur whose business partner runs the popular Blue Hole Mineral Spring and Wabba’s Weed Adventure. The attractions are in the southwest part of the island and will likely be hit head-on by Hurricane Melissa.
Lamoureux said the local community is already mobilizing by sharing supplies, helping neighbors, and doing everything possible to stay safe.
“This storm looks like one of the worst we’ve seen, but the people are strong, and they face it together,” he told GreenState. “When the storm passes, it won’t just be the island that stands strong. It will be the people who never stopped looking out for one another.”
At the nearby Coral Cove Wellness Resort, videos shared with GreenState show violent waves pounding the beachfront pavilion. Power has already been knocked out, and gale-force winds are rocking trees and thatched huts. Owner Steve Zindars said the team has done all they can to prepare, from removing anything that could become a projectile to hooking up neighbors to the resort’s generator. They’ve also offered shelter within the resort to those in need.
Zindars noted that hurricanes are a part of life in this region and that the community is resilient.
“When you perch yourself on the edge of the Caribbean, this is potentially something you’ve signed up for,” he said. “Now it’s a matter of putting the ole girl back together.”
RELATED: I spent my honeymoon at Jamaica’s premier plant medicine retreat
Jamaican officials warn that the cleanup and damage assessment will take time. Prolonged power outages and washed-out roads could hamper the rebuilding process.
“There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a Category 5,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. “The question now is the speed of recovery. That’s the challenge.”
For those wishing to support Jamaica in this time of need, Lamoureux noted it’s still a wait-and-see situation.
“For those off the island, the best way to help is by sharing accurate information and donating to trusted local relief efforts once we know where help is needed most,” he concluded.
