Strong waves crashed along the shores of Kingston, Jamaica, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, as Hurricane Melissa moved closer to the island. CTV
As Hurricane Melissa — a powerful Category 5 storm — battered Jamaica on Tuesday, many Jamaican Canadians across the Greater Toronto Area spent the day anxiously awaiting updates from home. The storm, the strongest ever recorded to hit the island, brought devastating winds, relentless rain, and dangerous flooding, leaving widespread destruction in its path.
Concern Across Toronto’s Little Jamaica
In Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood, the sense of worry was visible. People checked their phones for messages, called family members, and prayed for safety.
“It’s very, very scary,” said Toronto resident Jahiyi Blair, whose family mostly lives in the mountains of Jamaica. “There’s not much my grandmother can do when it pours. She just has to hope it doesn’t come to her side of the island.”
At a restaurant on Eglinton Avenue West, Lancelote Evans said he had spoken to his brother earlier that morning. “Everybody stay well,” he shared. “Some are at home staying okay, so we’re hoping for the best.”
Nearby, Ricky Salmon, who was cooking food in a large outdoor barrel, said his family had also been enduring strong winds and heavy rain but were safe for now.
Sharon Lawes, who works at a local takeout spot, said she thanked God that her relatives were unharmed. “They’re safe in town, and that’s all that matters,” she said with relief.
Widespread Devastation and Uncertain Recovery
David Betty, president of the Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), said he fears the damage in Jamaica will be “widespread and significant.” He explained that while most buildings might survive, the loss of crops and vegetation could create long-term problems. “Food and water could become real challenges,” he said.
Betty, who experienced Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, said he can only imagine the devastation a Category 5 storm will bring. “It’s going to be crazy,” he said. “We’re concerned how Jamaica will look afterwards.”
The JCA, along with other community groups, met with Jamaica’s High Commissioner and Consul General to discuss ways to coordinate immediate aid and longer-term recovery plans.
Relief Efforts Begin
Consul-General Kurt Davis confirmed that his office has been closely monitoring the situation and working with the Jamaican High Commission in Ottawa to organize relief efforts. “There is significant devastation, especially in the western areas,” he said in a statement. “We are identifying immediate needs like hygiene products, bedding, clean water, and non-perishable food.”
Canadian charities have also stepped in. Global Medic, based in Etobicoke, is preparing to send water purification units, emergency kits, and a drone team to help assess the damage. “We always try to have aid ready so we can respond quickly,” said Morgan Clark, the organization’s emergency program manager.
A Deeply Connected Community
Toronto’s Jamaican community, estimated at about 250,000 people, remains close-knit. Many, like David Anckle, CEO of Tropicana Community Services, have family in Jamaica. His 87-year-old father and several relatives are in Manchester Parish. “I’m definitely concerned,” he said. “The hardest part is not knowing what to do or how to help during the storm.”
Tropicana is already discussing how to support both Jamaicans on the island and their families in Canada. “It affects us just as much as it affects them,” Anckle said.
