Hi Melody,

A little bit of good news. Rick, I hope you don’t mind me posting this update in your thread.

Downtown Port Antonio has power now…the stores, government buildings and schools. The residents and extended towns are still without electricity and water.

A significant part of the roof at Titchfield High School is gone making it unsafe for the students to be in there so the administration is working on holding classes outside. I think that’s fantastic. Especially with finals coming up.

There is still a cooperative calm in the night’s darkness. The people I talk to are not even stressing the situation that has lasted over a week. They are busy helping each other fix roofs, clear roads and tend to the elderly. At night, they have dinner by the light of oil lamps and count their blessings before going to sleep.

Yesterday I was told, “Vi, ackee is scarce. It’s going to be expensive when you come.”

“Oh?? How expensive?”

“Well, instead of getting a dozen for 50JA it will probably cost 100J a dozen.”

I got a big smile….”I think I can handle that.”