Lloyd Wilks on Hayfield and Bowden Pen

From: "JOCAD" <jodmfaja@cwjamaica.com>
Re: Hurricane Ivan's Impacts in Portland and St. Thomas
To: "Mike Dorn" <mdorn@temple.edu>

Hi Mike,

I am sorry but I have to confirm your initial impressions concerning Hayfield. Yes it was hit very hard with an awful lot of collateral damage particularly to crops and infrastructure. The trail has been affected very badly by uprooted trees and broken limbs throughout. The natural habitat for many of natures flora and fauna has changed and the significance of this is already visible. The natural environment has changed.

The fact is it will require a lot of work to clear and restore the trail. There is extensive damage throughout the community of Hayfield, with considerable loss and damage to homes and community infrastructure. Work in the community is going to require a lot of human and capital resources.

Bowden Pen reflects a similar story except that the damage to homes and community infrastructure is less extensive. The trail however and the road to Bowden Pen from Millbank was blocked but with good community support and collaboration between the Farmers Association and the wider community much of the way has been cleared to the Cabins. On the way there it was evident that the wind was far more potent and the evidence was literally strewn across the road/track.

The roof of the cabins were also damaged while the washrooms and toilet totally destroyed. There are several fallen trees and other vegetation which have been affected but these can be replanted.

The road beyond this point remains a stern challenge with huge trees and boulders blocking the way. Work is ongoing based primarily on community efforts and it is expected to continue in this vein. The trail can and will be restored but will require considerable effort which regrettably, will not be funded by Government sources. There remains great enthusiasm amongst the people and a sense of pride in what they see as being their community and livelihood. I am confident that efforts will be sustained to restore things as best they can. Thankfully further assessments are being done as we speak on the trails but the initial impression is that it can be restored albeit with considerable inputs of human labour and some capital resources.

The partnership which exists between the Bowden Pen Farmers association and yourselves will be once again tested and there is every hope amongst the people that we shall prevail.

Everyone send their love Mike to you and the team and are all looking forward to seeing you in December. If you cannot come, anyway! Our systems have been down for some time now but thankfully Ivan sort of inspired the powers that be to act differently. Now I get my email messages! Thanks a lot Mike and I hope you and your family are fine. Nuff respect and plenty love mon. See you soon.

Lloyd.