THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT WAS truly a disastrous season, lots of thunderstorms occurred and several hurricanes in various countries. Despite the various complaints and reports of damage, losses and deaths, I still believe we have a lot to be thankful for.
A co-worker of mine who went to assist the Bahamas in their power lines restoration work reported that: "you could hardly identify a tree", the entire place and all the electricity wires and structures were destroyed in electrical fires.
In Grand Cayman, thousands of their houses were totally demolished by strong winds and forceful waters. Also, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, about 1,300 people's homes were flooded out by Tropical Storm Jeanne. They were without electric power for several weeks, even the roads were blocked all over with debris and they seemed all so frustrated and hopeless.
Unlike us, out here in Jamaica, we mainly lost only a couple of roofs from houses and other buildings. Where power-line damage is concerned, it's quite minimal this season in comparison to Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. In less than three weeks, several thousands of people island-wide received normal electricity supply and a lot of power lines are back in place.
Therefore, there is no need for much worry and complaint. Almighty God is and was merciful to us seeing we did not receive Hurricane Ivan in its full capacity. More than anything else we need to give the Lord thanks because He really loves us and did not allow us to get more than we could bear.
I am, etc.,
ERROL GRIFFITHS
Mandeville
Manchester
