In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which severely devastated St. Elizabeth on July 3, 2024, the Rotary Club of New Kingston has stepped up to provide crucial support to the communities of Watchwell, Fullerswood, and Mountainside. This swift response is part of the club’s ongoing commitment to community service and disaster relief, ensuring that those most affected by the storm receive the help they need.
Immediate Response: Emergency Water Relief
One of the most pressing challenges faced by residents after the hurricane was the lack of access to potable water. With homes, water supplies, and electrical infrastructure severely damaged, over 200 people across 50 households were left vulnerable. In response, the Rotary Club of New Kingston launched an Emergency Water Relief Initiative, trucking clean potable water into the hardest-hit communities for three consecutive days.
“This initiative was crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the residents,” said Rtn Dorrett Campbell President of the Rotary Club of New Kingston. “We knew that without access to clean water, the risk of health issues would escalate rapidly. Our priority was to ensure that the most vulnerable members of these communities were supported during this difficult time.”
Understanding Community Needs
The Rotary Club’s response was guided by a thorough community needs assessment. Club members, in collaboration with the local Member of Parliament and a community leader, toured the affected areas and met with residents to better understand their most urgent needs. The message from the communities was clear: “Water is life!”
According to one resident at the community meeting, “Without water we can’t make good use of the several care packages that others have brought us. We can’t cook, we can’t take a bath and we can’t wash. We’re in a sorry mess without water!”
“Our assessment revealed just how critical the situation was,” explained Assistant District Governor Peta-Gay Pryce who led the initiative. “The residents were incredibly resilient, but they needed immediate assistance, and water was at the top of their list. This feedback was instrumental in shaping our response.”
Continuing Support and Future Goals
While the Emergency Water Relief Initiative provided immediate relief, the Rotary Club of New Kingston is committed to supporting these communities in both the short and long term.
In preparation for the upcoming school year, the club plans to provide children in Watchwell, Fullerswood, and Mountainside with essential learning materials. Additionally, as a short-term goal, the Rotary Club will work closely with the Ministry of Education and Youth to rehabilitate the Fullerswood Primary and Infant School, which suffered significant damage during the hurricane.
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club has also set its sights on the long-term goal of supporting the rehabilitation of the Mountainside Primary School, ensuring that these communities have the educational infrastructure needed to foster a bright future for their children.
Long-Term Impact and Continuing Benefits
While the Emergency Water Relief Initiative provided immediate relief, the project’s benefits are expected to continue long after the last truck rolled out of these communities. The Rotary Club’s involvement has helped strengthen community resilience and preparedness, with residents now better equipped to handle future emergencies.
“The experience gained from this initiative has not only provided immediate relief but has also empowered the community,” said Past President Lowell Dilworth who conceptualized the initiative. “The relationships built between the Rotary Club, local authorities, and community members will continue to support future development efforts.”
Additionally, the project has raised awareness about the importance of water security and sustainable water management. There is hope that this increased awareness will lead to future investments in infrastructure, such as rainwater harvesting systems and community water storage facilities, to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
A Foundation for Future Development
The success of this project has not only addressed the urgent needs following Hurricane Beryl but has also set the stage for continued community-driven development. By involving local leaders and residents in the assessment and response processes, the Rotary Club of New Kingston has fostered a spirit of collaboration and self-reliance that will serve these communities well into the future.
The Rotary Club of New Kingston’s commitment to supporting the residents of Watchwell, Fullerswood, and Mountainside exemplifies the power of community action and the lasting impact of targeted, compassionate relief efforts. As the community rebuilds and recovers, the legacy of this project will be seen in the stronger, more resilient future it has helped to create.