Updates and requests for support from LearnServe Jamaica partners KBC Learning and the Blue Mountain Project, following Hurricane Sandy
From Karl Bennett, KBC Learning
“Hi Sabine:
Thanks for asking. We are OK. However, it was a frightening experience. We have no power, Internet, telephone, TV or any modern convenience. However, lantern light is nice.
The entire parish of St. Mary is still out of electric power. We haven’t heard from Scott’s Hall and we suspect that they may have a challenge.
The road leading to Allman Hill Primary broke away. I will try contact them as soon as possible. Also, the road leading to Hagley Gap is impassable.
Now more than ever, Jamaica needs Learn Serve International!
Kind regards.”
From the Blue Mountain Project
“Flood waters from Hurricane Sandy dug out the land from under Will’s house (on the road to the clinic). Sherene’s and Danica’s houses were flooded. Their furniture, sheets, towels, and other household goods were destroyed by the high water. Other people were similarly impacted by this storm that passed directly over Hagley Gap.
The propane store in the Square is no more. Winds and a landslide pushed it down the mountain.
Landslides and water have rendered the road to the BMP clinic in Hagley Gap and the road to Penlyne Castle impassible. High water has also closed the fordings – no one can leave the Gap area to get supplies, go to work, or go to school.
We have no photos to show you because electricity and the Internet is down.
Fortunately no one was killed or injured by the storm but everyone in the Gap will be seriously affected by Sandy as they come to grips with the large income loss from the wrecked coffee crop. Coffee is the major income source for the people of Hagley Gap and Penlyne Castle. There is no agricultural insurance in Jamaica. This loss will be hard to overcome.
Please join BMP as we help the people of Hagley Gap get back on their feet. Your donations will be used immediately to repair houses and replace destroyed household goods or will be used for long term projects that will help fight the economic and other effects of this storm.”