We left Accompong Town and ventured back to Ocean Coral Springs as our vacation was nearing its end. Our itinerary had been full—14 days that flew by as we went from place to place, trying to cram in as much as possible to make good use of time. We wanted to see and experience as much of Jamaica as possible, not just the usual tourist haunts but things off the beaten path while absorbing as much of the people, food, music, the landscape, and of course the sunshine—everything that makes Jamaica such a beautiful place to be.

I’m happy we were able to connect with family who shared much of the journey with us. From Aunt Paula’s home in the clouds of Manchester to cousin-guided adventures in Bath, from my mother’s New Year’s celebration in Hopewell to the profound cultural immersion at Accompong Town—family made this journey complete.

The kids got their pool time and Fruit Loops. Nicola and I got our cultural reconnection. We all got memories that would sustain us long after we returned to Toronto’s winter.

I hadn’t planned on writing about our vacation. Honestly, the experience felt too personal, too layered with meaning to reduce to travel blog posts. But then Hurricane Melissa happened in October 2025, and everything changed.

A great many places we visited on our trip no longer exist in the form we experienced them. Black River, Alligator Pond, Westmoreland, and Accompong Town got hit hardest. Homes flooded and destroyed. Roofs blown off like fedoras in a windstorm. Roads and entire homes washed away.

Little Ochie, where Patricia prepared our fish with such care, suffered devastating damage. Lover’s Leap, already rebuilding from Hurricane Beryl when we visited, was hammered again. Rick’s Café, celebrating 50 years of operation, once again faced nature’s fury at the westernmost point of the island. The Maroon community of Accompong Town, who’ve maintained their independence for 280 years through colonialism, slavery’s abolition, independence, and every challenge between—they too faced Melissa’s wrath.

The images of the aftermath were devastating: communities cut off from food and water due to impassable roads, floods, downed power lines, trees uprooted, destruction more akin to a warzone than tourist destination. Hurricane Melissa was the first known Category 5 hurricane to slam Jamaica, causing extensive damage particularly to the southern and westernmost parts where we’d just explored and fallen in love with.

But here’s what I know about Jamaica and its people: both are resilient. They’ve endured tremendous adversity throughout history. The Maroons proved that centuries ago. Every generation since has reinforced that lesson.

Jamaica is a people of tremendous faith, perseverance, and grit who will rebuild stronger than ever. The appeal has gone out across the world to great response; and with that kind of solidarity, support, and commitment, I have no doubt that the land of wood and water will once again flourish.

Writing this now, I realize our trip’s timing was both fortunate and heartbreaking. We experienced these places in their full glory—YS Falls cascading in seven tiers, the Holland Bamboo Grove creating its green tunnel, the healing waters of Bath Fountain, the cultural richness of Accompong Town. We met people like Patrick the Rastafarian, Sam the safari guide, Patricia at Little Ochie, the Maroon elders preserving centuries of tradition. They showed us authentic Jamaica, not the resort version, not the cruise ship snapshot, but the real, complicated, beautiful and historic heart of the island.

Now those same people are rebuilding. The same hands that cooked our fish, guided our tours, shared their sacred ceremonies—those hands are clearing debris, repairing homes, comforting neighbors, and planning for tomorrow.

This is why I felt compelled to write now. Not just to document what was, but to honor what is: the unbreakable spirit of Jamaica and its people. Tourism will return—it must, as it’s a vital part of Jamaica’s economy. But more importantly, life will return, culture will continue, and the island will once again welcome visitors to its beautiful shores and countryside to enjoy a slice of paradise.

Our journey taught us that Jamaica isn’t just beaches and all-inclusive resorts. It’s Gloria’s seafood overlooking Port Royal’s historic harbor. It’s family reunions in Manchester’s rolling hills. It’s the treacherous and winding road of Spur Tree Hill and the serene tunnel of Holland Bamboo Grove. It’s healing waters of Bath Fountain. It’s heritage sites in disrepair honoring heroes like Paul Bogle. It’s cliff divers at Rick’s Café and over-water villas at boutique resorts. It’s the Maroon drum calling across centuries, connecting past to present to future.

Most of all, Jamaica is its people—resilient, welcoming, proud, and unbreakable.

We came seeking to give our kids cultural connection. We left with so much more: renewed understanding of our own roots, respect for those who fought for freedom, appreciation for those who maintain traditions against all odds, and love for an island that refuses to be defined by its challenges.

To everyone rebuilding in Jamaica right now: we see you. We remember the beauty you showed us. We believe in the strength you’ve demonstrated throughout history. We’ll return, and we’ll bring others with us, because your story deserves to be told, your culture deserves to be celebrated, and your resilience deserves to be witnessed.

One love, Jamaica. One love.

For information on supporting Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica, please contact local relief organizations and verified charities working directly with affected communities. These are a few good ones: Support Jamaica – http://www.supportjamaica.gov.jm; Food For The Poor – http://www.foodforthepoorja.org; Canadian Red Cross -www.give.redcross.ca; Direct Relief – http://www.directrelief.org

Tags: #Jamaica #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicanResilience #CaribbeanTravel #TravelReflections #CulturalJourney #OneJamaica #Rebuilding