Hurricane Melissa ‘heroes’ honoured in St James

ST JAMES, Jamaica — The St James Municipal Corporation honoured several individuals on Monday for their roles in helping others during the passage of Hurricane Melissa last year. Among those recognised was a group of six police personnel who helped rescue a woman who was being swept away by floodwaters in the aftermath of the storm. "This happened after the storm, we were making a couple patrols to and from the town centre, heading back to the station with some prisoners re a case of looting," Detective Sergeant Ricardo Latibeaudiere told Observer Online after the civic ceremony on Monday. "We realized that the water levels was bonnet height. However, just as we got back into the station we heard persons starting to scream that a lady was washed away," he added. He said the officers quickly joined forces to help the woman, putting their own lives at risk in the process. "A few of us actually waded into the water, at this point the water was about neck height," he explained. "Trying to get her, we formed a rope, holding hand to hand trying to reach to her, she was scared holding on to the vehicle would not let go," he added.  

The Sam Sharpe and Mayors special awardees are all smiles after being recognised for their contributions to the parish of St James

Despite their best efforts, the police were initially unable to reach the woman by hand. One cop managed to get close to her but also found himself in a difficult situation. Latibeaudiere explained that they eventually used a hose and a piece of electrical wire to carry out the rescue and bring the woman to safety. Accepting the award on behalf of the group, he said the cops would have responded in the same way to anyone in need of help.

Akeem Nesbeth accepts his award for bravery during Hurricane Melissa from Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon

"It's something we do everyday but to be honoured and recognized for it publicly, it's a great feeling," he said.

Petroy Maxwell accepts his award for bravery from Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon

Also among the honourees was Catherine Hall resident Petroy Maxwell, who was recognised for rescuing several neighbours who found themselves in danger as floodwaters rose. "I was at home getting ready to make dinner after the storm had passed and I heard water is coming," he recounted. "When I went outside I saw a lot of water coming into the lane and such so people was getting panicked and such and people asking for help and stuff like that,' he added.

Miriam Williams of the Western Mirror accepts her award for her contribution to journalism at this year's Heroes Day Civic Awards in St James

After ensuring that his younger brother was safe, Maxwell ventured into the muddy waters to assist neighbours who were struggling to cope with the rising floodwaters. "Some people had access to upstairs areas but they were panicking so much some of them forgot their keys so I had to in the water and find like metal stuff to open locks and stuff," he said. "During that another lady was trapped inside of her house, the water had caused the doors to swell so the doors so we had to break the windows and being her to safety," he related. Maxwell also expressed gratitude for the Corporation's recognition. "It's a pleasant feeling, I really appreciate them for awarding me for the bravery," he said. Community volunteer Akeem Nesbeth was another recipient. Having committed himself to helping during the storm, he was part of a team that went around locating homeless people and taking them to safety. However, after receiving notification of a situation in Mount Salem, he turned his attention to rescuing several elderly residents at a nursing home. "During the rescue, we realized that there were some elderly persons there where two didn't have any legs, some couldn't move they were immobile," he stated. "I sprung into action and think our of the box to bring them to the bus to get them to a safer place even though I had a cut on my foot," he added. The St James Municipal Corporation decided to present special medals of honour to individuals deemed to have gone above and beyond the call of duty during last year's storm. Also honoured was Father Dalmas Agan for his role in protecting children at the Mustard Seed Children's Home. Courtney Campbell was awarded posthumously for his efforts to help residents in Westgreen. After going to assist neighbours who were on the brink of drowning, Campbell fell into a pool of water and contracted leptospirosis. He subsequently died from the illness. The ceremony also saw a number of individuals and businesses recognised for their contributions before, during and after the hurricane. In keeping with tradition, several individuals received the usual Sam Sharpe Awards and the Mayor's Special Awards. Among this year's awardees was Miriam Williams of the Western Mirror, a longstanding figure in the media industry with more than half a century of service. "I am grateful and I am giving thanks to the Almighty because only He knows and has given me the strength to go through all these years so I give thanks to the Almighty," she said when approached for comment. Other honourees included retired educator Denham McIntyre, Roxanne Hayles of the National Solid Waste Management Authority and tourism stalwart Nicole Thomas, among others.