By Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

BARRINGTON GRANT'S brand new two bedroom plywood home was blown off its foundation and disseminated by the ferocious Hurricane Ivan, shattering his dreams and robbing him of his first home.

The security officer employed to the Wyndham Rose Hall in Montego Bay did not get a chance to taste the joy of living in his own home, and has no choice but to continue to pay rent until he is back on his feet again.

Grant, who lives in Kinloss, Trelawny, is one of 25 employees attached to the hotel who collected cheques from Human Resources Director, Carmelita Olverson, last Friday. The money was raised by a British samaritan named Donna Sheridan.

WEATHERED THE STORM

Sheridan was one of 560 guests who weathered the storm at the property, experiencing something other than vicious winds and violent thunderstorm. She sampled the outstanding service, true Jamaican hospitality and infectious warmth of a people known for their resilience.

As a result, she organised a fund that raised almost a quarter million Jamaican dollars to assist employees whose homes were affected by the hurricane.

"The employees did such a phenomenal job throughout the hurricane, the guests were so impressed," said Dermot Connolly, general manager of the hotel who spoke of the unselfish way in which persons went over and beyond the call of duty.

"Persons who stayed and worked, sacrificed to stay with the guests," said Mr. Connolly. "And when it came to the time to clean up, these same people, along with the guests, helped to clean up."

The look of satisfaction and gratitude showed on the faces of the people who collected the much needed cheques.

Sashoi Myles, who resides in Lucea, Hanover, and is employed to the housekeeping department, was one of the 25 persons whose home was devastated by the storm. She told The Gleaner: "You can't imagine what this money has done for me. I haven't smiled in one week."

She said she lost her roof, an entire section of her two-bedroom board house, including her kitchen and bathroom. "I will use the money to purchase zinc sheets and ply." And Marvalyn Crew, of Catadupa, St. James, whose furniture was soaked, said she will use her money to purchase zinc. In the meantime, while Barrington Grant rebuilds from scratch, he is still burdened with the $200,000 loan that he got from the Bank of Nova Scotia to build his home. "One thing I can tell you, I will not go the ply route again," he promised.