Hurricane Melissa reignites frustration among Portland’s fisherfolk
Published:Wednesday | October 29, 2025 | 12:09 AMGareth Davis, Sr/Gleaner Writer
Having lost dozens of fish pots at sea during Hurricane Beryl last year without receiving support, fisherfolk in Portland fear they may once again be left on their own following the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa.
Residents of an informal seaside settlement near the old marina in Port Antonio began evacuating early as Melissa barrelled toward Jamaica with winds exceeding 150 miles per hour. Dozens of families, including children and the elderly, sought refuge at designated shelters and the Errol Flynn Marina after authorities warned that the area was highly vulnerable to storm surge and flooding.
“Mi value life more than property, so mi move out mi family and we a stay over by the old marina building to wait out the hurricane,” said Anthony, a fisherman who joined the early evacuation.
The settlement, home to about 15 families, sits along a narrow strip of coastline often battered by rough seas and high tides. For many residents, the storm poses a double threat – to both their homes and their livelihoods.
“We lost dozens of fish pots at sea during Hurricane Beryl and we never get any help. This time around, it might be just the same or worse,” said another fisherman who gave his name only as Vashan.
He added that, despite assessments after Beryl, no relief was provided. “People come and write down we name fi get help and, from July last year till now, nothing. So we don’t even know what awaits us when we go back a sea,” he told The Gleaner yesterday.
At the same time, Anthony said leaving the informal settlement where he makes his living was an easy decision.
“These house can’t withstand the hurricane, so me make sure that mi take away my family from early ahead of the storm. If you look around you, will see that the place is empty, because a life we say above everything else right now,” he said.
Heavy rain and gusty winds lashed eastern Portland, triggering landslides in sections of the Rio Grande and Buff Bay valleys.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in New Hope, Westmoreland, around midday Tuesday as a Category 5 system – the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to strike Jamaica.