Despite sleeping on a mattress in his kitchen since Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, Oral Fraser remains optimistic. His home in Bluefields, Westmoreland, was torn apart by the storm, but he is thankful for life — and grateful he could receive medical attention for his injured left knee.
Fraser was among 109 residents from Bluefields who received care from a team of more than 140 volunteers and medical professionals from St John Ambulance Jamaica and the JN Foundation at Belmont Academy over the weekend. The teams brought first aid services and care packages to one of the worst-affected areas in the country. Since the hurricane, they have treated close to 1,000 people across St Elizabeth and Westmoreland for minor storm-related injuries and for chronic conditions — mainly among the elderly — whose prescribed medications were lost during the disaster.
“A little after the eye passed, it was like the hurricane turned back,” Fraser told volunteers. “The wind came with a roar, swirling everything. All we could see was white. Then houses started collapsing all around us.”
He added that he was trying to escape his bedroom with his wife and seven-year-old grandson when flying zinc and board tore through the room “as if they were caught in a tornado.” He fell and injured his knee during the chaos. “We had to leave and go in the kitchen, which along with the bathroom, are the only concrete parts of my house,” he said.
His knee was swollen due to fluid buildup, and he was relieved to receive medication. “I also got a form to do an X-ray, but the Black River Hospital is only seeing emergency cases. I am happy I got medicine to help me as I try to get back on my feet. I am grateful for life,” he said.
Fraser’s story was one of many. Georgiana Walker, a mother of four, was also treated after her home collapsed during the storm.
“I was trying to save my house from being blown away,” she said. “The entire structure collapsed on me. Since then, I’ve had pain all over. Even if I got material to rebuild tomorrow, I couldn’t hold a hammer. The painkillers will help, but it has been hard.”
Patsy Campbell brought her 16-year-old granddaughter for treatment and was relieved she could get proper care. “While trying to escape flying zinc, she fell and sprained her right ankle and got cut on her right hand. It needed urgent attention because it was becoming infected. I’m glad they’re referring us to the Black River Hospital as an emergency case,” she said.
Dr. Lazarus Davids, a medical volunteer with St John Ambulance Jamaica, said treating injuries and providing medication to those who lost access during the hurricane would help lift the community’s morale. “It was a pleasure to treat the different ailments and provide medication for those who didn’t have injuries but had run out,” he said. “I think this will help them feel a lot better in the coming days.”
In addition to medical care, residents received care packages from the JN Foundation. The Jamaica Automobile Association provided a generator and Starlink satellite service, allowing residents to charge their phones and reconnect with loved ones.
Tajmarie Marsh, a JN volunteer, said she felt compelled to help after hearing about the devastation. “When I heard what happened to this part of the island, I knew I wanted to help. Hearing the residents’ stories is heartbreaking, and this is one way I can assist,” she said.
Another JN volunteer, Shamoy Martin, said bringing medical assistance to the community eased a heavy burden. “The medical team was well received, especially by those who couldn’t see a doctor before. Seeing them get treatment was emotional. As someone who loves giving back, this was a good moment,” she said.
Omar Wright, Lead for Environment and Community Development Programmes at the JN Foundation, said the organization will continue to support Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We were pleased to provide medical care for the residents of Bluefields who were in need. Many sustained injuries or ran out of medication, and this initiative is one way we’re providing support. We will continue to assist residents in the badly affected parishes,” he said.
