SURVIVORS ARE WE!!!

Every once in a while this country reminds us of just how great it is. And that greatness was on display this week.

On Sunday, the island - well the southern coast of the island - was hit by Hurricane Dean. And as Dean passed, the worry was that come Monday, Jamaica would have been under a pile of rubble and sand, mangled steel and blocks. Debris and water.

But alas, come Monday, the true situation revealed itself. And for many of us our only complaint was that water still seeped through our windows. A few trees were down, we had no light or water and the fridge reeked.
For some of us Hurricane Dean also meant a day off from work so there was time to survey the damage.

And still for others, the proud among us, it was time to clean up. Time to pick up the pieces. Many were seen throughout their communities, cutting up trees, some that had fallen across the roadways, sweeping up rubble. It was not time to wait on the National Solid Waste Management Authority- the able bodied put themselves to work and work they did.

It was also time to check on the neighbours and there were many on whom Dean took a heavy toll. Hundreds of people on the south coast of the island, including Caribbean Terrace and Harbour View in St. Andrew, Portland Cottage in Clarendon, South Field in St. Elizabeth felt the full brunt of the wind and waves.
But despite losing home and property it was time to begin the process of starting over again because we are survivors.
This wasn't the first and it certainly won't be the last storm to hit Jamaica and as a nation, we've been the poster child for weathering every possible type of storm. Jamaica likkle but wi people tallawah. As usual when put to the test the majority of Jamaicans produced award winning performance.

And since Anansi feels like handing out awards, let's give one to the island's light and power company - the Jamaica Public Service (JPS). When in this country's history has there been a hurricane of any type and some customers get reconnected in less than 24 hours. By day three after the hurricane JPS had turned on the lights for almost 40 per cent of its customers, and this despite saying that damage to its lines by Hurricane Dean was worse than that caused by Hurricane Ivan.

Water Commission too - they've been busy piping water back to homes. Yes, NWC you get an award too. Getting water back to 80 per cent of your customers in four days. Good work.

And yes, Anansi had proclaimed doom and gloom. Anansi had visions of Katrina-like behaviour from many residents - but all this was prevented by very necessary State of Emergency imposed by the G.G.! Hence what could have become a potentially volatile situation - in many ways more damaging than Hurricane Dean - was avoided. For once, Portia did something right! Portia you get a badge of merit for doing what was right, despite those naysayers who will use any opportunity to politic. Maybe, just maybe, their might be hope for you yet!
Since we're giving out awards, let's hand out some bricks to those who still can't get right.

Digicel - Hurricane Ivan unnu pap dung. Hurricane Dean unnu pap dung. Anansi thought you were the "bigger better" network. Sorry, but I'll stick with "the true owners of the yard" - Cable and Wireless.

Di Damn Tief dem - How unnu fi a bruk inna people house inna di height of storm? Unnu should a drown, get electrocuted and di earth shoulda open up and swallow unnu. Unnu ole wukliss good fi nutten cruff unnu.

Wukliss Politrickician - Di storm was Sunday, and come Monday unnu a complain seh relief effort too slow. Anansi not calling no names, but here are two words fi unnu "New Orleans" and if unnu still nuh get it "Hurricane Katrina". Some times, people must engage their brains before their mouths start to move. Unnu mus get several bricks.

Anyway, since the country is getting back to normal - when's the election?

PS: Was it just Anansi, or did it seem a little more than just distasteful to be hearing political ads during the height of the onslaught of Dean. Imagine, Anansi is glued to the radio, and during every other ad break all that was heard was "me and me neighbour voting for Labour"!!! Like who really gave a ....