In the Wake of Tragedy, Rotary Rises
I want to extend heartfelt sympathy to my Fellow Rotarians in Jamaica and Haiti, particularly those Rotarians from Western Jamaica and Southern Haiti who have experienced devastation from this unprecedented Category 5 hurricane. Twenty-five deaths from flooding have been reported from Haiti, and thus far, we are aware of eleven deaths in Jamaica as a consequence of the hurricane. Aerial footage of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, where Melissa made landfall, reveals a heartbreaking picture of near-total destruction.
In my capacity as District Governor, I want to assure the people of Jamaica and Haiti that Rotarians at the district, zone, and international level have been working behind the scenes to activate Rotary's relief and recovery efforts to assist the people of Jamaica and Haiti, once it is safe to do so. Rotary is not a first responder, and Rotary's strength lies in its role as a long-term partner in recovery efforts after a disaster, once first responders have finished their activities.
The district's recovery committee is already working to coordinate and deliver support, organise funding opportunities, ensure credible communication, and provide guidance on projects related to recovery efforts. We encourage clubs to assess their affected communities and plan projects to facilitate recovery.
We are our brother's keeper, and it is crucial that we look out for each other and help those who have been affected. The district has widely shared a flyer outlining where funds can be sent to support relief and recovery efforts.
I will be returning from St. Martin on Saturday, November 1, and will tour the affected areas in Western Jamaica once it's possible to do so. I invite the club presidents and Assistant Governors in Jamaica to accompany me on the tour, which will likely take place on Sunday, November 2.
I want to thank Rotarians from across the district for your prayerful support, your words of reassurance and encouragement, and your generous donations in assisting with the relief and recovery efforts.
Caribbean people are extremely resilient, and we will bounce back bigger and better! Again, my sympathies to all who have lost family, friends, and loved ones due to Hurricane Melissa.
Let us support each other in a spirit of unity, collaboration, and solidarity, guided by our presidential message, "Unite For Good!"