60 homes in 30 days

WESTERN BUREAU:

A crippled man in Hertford, Westmoreland, a father and his two sons in Black River, St Elizabeth, and a woman living in the open air in Petersfield are among the first recipients of the studio homes being built under the S for Shelters project, an initiative of S Hotel Montego Bay.

The J$21-million programme, designed to deliver 60 homes in 30 days to families made homeless by Hurricane Melissa, has benefited from the empathy of guests staying at the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard property, many of whom have joined the effort, hammer in hand, moved by what they have witnessed.

For S Hotel’s manager and brand ambassador Andres Cope, the project began with an emotional trigger: guests reaching out after the hurricane, unsure whether they should still travel to an island in distress. Their concern, he said, pushed the Jamaican-owned hotel to act decisively.

“S Hotel is building 60 homes valued at about J$21 million,” Cope explained. “When we saw the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, and guests started calling to say they felt guilty travelling here, this became our way of contributing – assisting those who are without. As a Jamaican, homegrown hotel, it is important for us to give back.”

Three homes have already been delivered – two in Westmoreland and one in St Elizabeth – with two more nearing completion. The goal is to complete two to three units each day, ensuring that vulnerable families have a roof over their heads before Christmas.

SIMPLE BUT STURDY

Project Manager Tardo Nelson, who leads the construction team, describes the units as simple but sturdy lifelines. Each 10x12 one-bedroom shelter is built to outlast the typical board structures seen across rural Jamaica.

“With proper care and maintenance, these homes can last 10 years or more,” Nelson said. “They’re stronger than most of the regular board houses you’d normally see. We build two in 24 hours. We start at three o’clock, and by three the next day the roof, doors, and windows are on.”

While the hotel team works around the clock, the initiative has, unexpectedly, drawn volunteers from among the hotel’s own guests.

Florida visitor Michael Vanbuskirk arrived on vacation but ended up on the job site, driven by his instincts as a first responder.

“I’m glad to be here and help in the rebuilding process,” he said. “As a tourist helping build homes for people who lost everything, it’s with a great deal of compassion. I’ve been to Jamaica before – I know the resilience of the people.”

His decision to travel to Jamaica despite the island’s recent trauma came down to trust.

“It really comes down to confidence – in the people and the hotel. The fact is, they never closed. That gave me confidence to come here, feel safe, and be part of the rebuilding effort.”

Also on property were Tim and Marva Joseph from Yorktown, Virginia, who never once considered cancelling their trip.

“From the beginning of Melissa, the hotel’s social media page kept everyone updated,” Marva said. “They were current, and I could see the resilience. Less than 12 hours after the storm passed, they had cleaned up. There was no way we wouldn’t come and honour our commitment to support.”

The couple watched the hotel’s car park be transformed into a construction zone, not with irritation, but admiration.

“It’s very exciting,” Tim said. “It shows how important it is to support the local population.”

As retirees who spent long careers in the military, they now see their role as simple but meaningful.

“We won’t take any credit for anything other than coming here and supporting as much as we can.”

For Cope, the effort remains deeply personal. The recipients include a paralysed man who lost everything, families identified by S Hotel employees living in the affected communities, and others whose names reach the hotel daily as the word spreads.

“It’s close to our hearts,” Cope said. “Especially with Christmas coming, we want people to have a roof over their heads.”

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com