The Jamaican community in Detroit, along with those with close ties to the island, is closely monitoring the devastating approach of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm set to be the worst in nearly two centuries. Detroit couple Laura and Lenton Senior, who are currently trapped in Kingston, Jamaica, were expected to leave the island before the hurricane made landfall, but now find themselves in a precarious situation. As reported by Click on Detroit, Lenton Senior remarked, “The only thing we’re concerned about is that when we’re ready to get to the airport, if the roads will be clear.” Their predicament underscores the broader anxieties of Detroit residents with connections to Jamaica.
Residents such as Yanique Lee are wracked with worry as they await news from friends and family on the island. Lee shared with WXYZ, “I'm very worried, I'm very sad and I pray that the storm passes.” Her concerns are echoed by Henry Montague, president of the Jamaican Association of Michigan, who stands at ready to assist, confident in the hardy spirit of the Jamaican people. Montague described resilience as a Jamaican hallmark, saying, "Maybe it's our trademark. We're just going to sit back and wait. And then when it comes, we're going to ride it out however it goes. We'll ride it out and we'll be fine."
In Detroit, the approaching hurricane casts a long shadow over local establishments such as Island Spice Caribbean restaurant, where owner Chris Mitchell and his staff grapple with the storm's potential impact on their homeland. Sandra Reid Hutchinson, Mitchell's manager and chef, expressed her deep concern to FOX 2 Detroit, stating, “I’ve got my grandson there. I’ve been crying because it’s hard.” Hutchinson's son, a police officer on the island, is unable to evacuate due to his duties. The community at Island Spice Caribbean restaurant is holding onto hope during this time of crisis.
