September 12, 1988 a day that will live in infamy. For those who are old enough, they will remember this day as the day that Gilbert, the category 5 hurricane devastated the island. Gilbert is the second most intense hurricane ever observed in the Atlantic basin and it passed directly over the island leaving in its wake 45 dead, billions (US) in damage and created a massive zinc graveyard. For me (i was three at the time) i can still remember my roof being blown off contributing to that graveyard i was talking about.For visitors, returning residents and locals, know that the hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th, so for those 6 months ensure that you listen to the weather reports and stock up on your batteries, tin foods, bottled water and ply board (for that extra reinforcement). Try not to travel when you hear of an imminent hurricane or tropical storm, as it may dampen your trip. There are five categories of hurricanes, 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest, a tropical storm with winds between 74-95 mph is a category 1 and anything greater than 155 mph is a category 5.
If you happen to mention the word "hurricane" in a conversation with older folks the first thing you will hear is "Gilbert" for many that is a standard for a hurricane anything less is a "breeze". We may act nonchalant about the possible dangers of a hurricane and most of the time are ill prepared but we somehow manage. I sometimes think that supermarkets love hurricanes as here in Jamaica just mention "tropical storm" and its off to the supermarket, spending loads of cash on food (even perishable foods) only to find out that the storm has missed us or has subsided.
Regardless of it being a tropical storm or hurricane the weather is one thing that makes us truly unique and truly Jamaican, never forget Gilbert and never walk without our umbrellas.
Here are some clips of various hurricanes from 1984-2005
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