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Friends United Meeting invites our global fellowship to continue holding our Caribbean Quaker communities in prayer following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which swept through the region last week. Jamaica’s western coast, from the Black River area across to Montego Bay, was hit especially hard, and images of the destruction have captured attention around the world.
We are deeply grateful that, as far as we know, no Friends in Jamaica have lost their lives. Many Quaker communities are located outside the most heavily damaged zone, and we give thanks for that protection. Even so, several of our Meetings and families are walking through very difficult days. They need our care and prayer as they begin the long process of recovery.
On Black Mountain, Cascade Friends Meeting and its members have been profoundly affected, with landslides and storm damage limiting access and disrupting daily life. Our Friend Lydia Grapine, who farms coffee on the mountain, has experienced significant damage to her property, and the Cascade meetinghouse has also been harmed. The community has endured extended power outages, unreliable internet and phone service, and challenges reaching essential services due to landslides and bl
In Cuba the situation on the ground is similar to the conditions in Jamaica. FUM’s Quaker communities are located in the general path of the storm but spared the full wrath of Melissa because they are on the northern side of the island. Communication from Cuba is harder to come by, however. One report from Puerto Padre: “Almost everything is out of danger now. In Puerto Padre, the damage isn’t as great from what I’ve seen. The province of Santiago and a large part of Holguín are destroyed. This will be terrible for the recovery. We have a lot of work and many needs ahead of us. Only God will give us the strength to continue. A hug, brother. We have the essentials; God protected our lives.” José Ramón Prieto (Monchy)
We are still gathering information from across Jamaica, and we are awaiting further updates from Cuba as well. What we know so far brings both relief and concern. We rejoice that lives have been spared, but we remain mindful of the very real needs that persist. We are holding these beloved communities in prayer and will share further updates as we receive them.
Many Friends have already reached out to ask how they may help. We are deeply moved by this generosity of spirit. Support may be directed to the Friends United Meeting Solidarity Fund, which exists to assist Friends around the world in times of crisis and urgent need.
We ask Friends everywhere to continue praying for our Friends in Jamaica and Cuba: for safety, strength, and patience as they clear debris, repair homes and meetinghouses, and reconnect with one another. May the peace of Christ surround them, and may our love and solidarity offer comfort, courage, and hope.—Michael Sherman,FUM Coordinator of North American and Caribbean Ministries
