‘I won’t have to worry anymore’

For 33-year-old Nichola Smith, the approach of Hurricane Melissa brought days of fear and uncertainty. Living in Balaclava, St Elizabeth, Smith, who shares her home with five members of her household, was already anxious long before the storm made landfall.

“I was nervous before the hurricane even came. I kept wondering if the roof would hold, if we would all be safe,” she recalled.

As Melissa battered southern and western Jamaica with fierce winds and heavy rain, fear turned into desperation. During the height of the storm, Smith and her family members huddled together, trying to protect themselves as the winds threatened to tear apart their home.

“We tried everything to make sure we were safe. We stayed together, prayed together, and just hoped the house would survive,” Smith said. By morning, the damage was clear; parts of the roof had been compromised, leaving the home exposed and the family shaken.

Nichola’s situation was made even more challenging by the fact that both of her parents have passed away, leaving her without that layer of family support many rely on during times of crisis.

Currently a student at Bethlehem Moravian College, where she is studying Primary Education, Smith balances her academic responsibilities with caring for her household, often under significant financial strain. “Losing my parents meant I had to learn how to stand on my own. But after the hurricane, it felt overwhelming,” Smith said.

Roof Restored

Relief came when the JWN Foundation stepped in to assist by restoring the damaged roof, ensuring the house was once again safe and secure. Garfene Grandison, general manager at the JWN Foundation, said the decision to help was clear.

“Nichola’s story reflects the reality many young Jamaicans face; loss, responsibility, and vulnerability during disasters. Restoring her roof was about restoring peace of mind,” he said.

“Nichola is working towards becoming a teacher, and no student should have to worry about whether their home is safe after a storm. Reroofing her house was a necessary step in supporting her journey and well-being,” Grandison added.

In addition to the roof repairs, EdgeChem Jamaica Limited contributed by painting the house, giving the home a renewed sense of comfort and dignity. CEO at EdgeChem Jamaica Ockino Petrie said when they learned about Smith’s situation after Hurricane Melissa, they knew they had to help in a practical way.

“Painting her home was about restoring dignity, comfort, and a sense of normalcy after the storm. Our contribution to Nichola’s home goes beyond paint. It represents our commitment to standing with communities as they recover and rebuild after disasters,” Petrie said.

Smith said she was truly grateful to the JWN Foundation and EdgeChem Jamaica Limited, as they didn’t just rebuild her home, they gave her hope after the hurricane.

“When the work was finished, it felt like a fresh start. Knowing my roof has been restored gives me peace of mind. I can finally sleep at night. I thank the JWN Foundation and EdgeChem for helping me and my family feel safe again.”

Smith noted that the constant fear she carried since the hurricane has finally eased. “I won’t have to worry anymore,” she said, quietly but firmly.

“I can sleep. I can focus on my studies. I can think about becoming the teacher I want to be,” she said.

For Smith, the assistance provided went far beyond construction materials and paint. “This help showed me that even when you feel alone, people still care. I am truly grateful,” she added.