THE DEVASTATION caused by powerful Hurricane Ivan in the Eastern Caribbean, and especially Grenada between Tuesday night and early yesterday, should compel those Jamaicans who have grown cynical over storm warnings to sit up and take note.

Grenada has not suffered a direct hit from a hurricane since the 1950s and given the tendency for hurricanes and tropical storms to veer north westwards through the Caribbean, complacency would perhaps be more commonplace there than elsewhere. There is no evidence, as of now, however that Grenadians did not heed storm warnings. The fact is, no matter how well-prepared people are, in the face of nature's fury and onslaught there is not much that can be done after taking steps to protect life and property except to pray and hope for the best.

Up to late yesterday afternoon, at least nine people were confirmed dead and earlier in the day there were unconfirmed reports of at least 24 fatalities. The capital St. George's was reported to have been devastated. A flyover by officers from the British Naval vessel HMS Richmond confirmed previous reports of widespread damage to houses and public buildings. Some concrete structures were pulverised into rubble. In addition, the police headquarters was badly damaged.

While we offer our condolences and sympathies to our Eastern Caribbean brothers and sisters, we will have to await the passage of this hurricane near to or over Jamaica, to determine the extent to which we may be able to offer help. Nevertheless we should be able to extend a helping hand whether in personnel, building material or relief supplies. We note that a team from the Jamaica Public Service Company has already left for the Bahamas to help in their efforts to restore electricity after the passage of Hurricane Frances. So the spirit of helping each other is alive and well.

Of course, it would be something of a cruel irony were Ivan to hit Jamaica on Friday, September 11 as forecast by the meteorologists. That would coincide with the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Gilbert's devastating large sections of the island. All indications are that, as of Wednesday afternoon, Ivan is considerably more powerful with the potential for strengthening. We therefore have no basis for complacency. Every Jamaican should take the hurricane warnings seriously and prepare as well we can. It is always better to be safe than sorry rather than to allow cynicism to get the better of us.

THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.

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