02/03/2026
First trip back to Belmont after Melissa... it's truly heartbreaking to see the place we love so dearly in such a state. The devastation is widespread. You start seeing signs of the storm in MoBay and the damage just gets worse and worse, the closer you get to "home". The loss is obvious, and abundant. Driving around the corner and NOT seeing Jah Calo working on something in front of Studio Black... hurts in a way I can't even describe. It just doesn't seem right. What a huge loss for the entire community.
BUT... The tone of the town and the people was not one of sadness or mourning or pity... The people there were ELECTRIC. They may not have had current (power) since early NOVEMBER... but they are CHARGED UP! They are all just beyond grateful to have survived such an unimaginable storm! The energy was SUPER POSITIVE! Everyone is hard at work trying to build everything back better than it was! They are making due with what they have for now... many still under tarps, in tents, huddled together with multiple families sheltering in abandoned partially built concrete structures, or they have been able to prop back up some walls temporarily... but they are simply grateful for still having life and their loved ones. Their positive energy was absolutely contagious. It truly did my soul well to see everyone in such high spirits.
But they still need A LOT of help! Please, if you are able and feel lead, donate at the link below. All funds go directly towards hurricane relief in Jamaica. And if you would like to go help out first hand... we're getting groups together. Send me a message.
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FA9BKEY58Y9JA