Because We’re Jamaican
As these two long-time friends, Westmoreland natives, recounted the devastation their families are enduring after Hurricane (more like a tornado) Melissa tore through their family homes, we were left speechless. Even they pointed it out: the whole thing was like something out of a horror movie broadcast in real-time over tiktok & instagram. but it was pure tragedy and terror-documentary.
But it’s only a matter of minutes before their inner light beams through and they’re smiling again. The news didn’t get any better but there’s something inside they lean on and resilience emanated from them. It’s atoms from an observable radiance. And that radiance is immeasurably endearing and inspiring. Enviable. “It’s because we’re Jamaican!”
The Spirit of Support & a Steel Pan
Shaneice Buckner & Petagay (Peaches) Powell have both cooks in the Squire’s kitchen for the past few seasons (Peaches since 2022, Shaneice came in 2023) and they have the kindest things to say about the folks they work with and the folks they work for. They talked about Todd Hearle, the Chatham native who’s owned and operated the Squire since 2019, as the anchor for the home they have there.
Like a large handful or two of connected and compassionate business owners out here, after Melissa, Todd stood up and he and his team have put together a music-driven fundraiser to get currency and materials together to do whatever they can for the folks on the island. They’ve enlisted Squire regulars to host (Funktapuss) and corralled a stable of staples to support. The show will happen on Wednesday, 19 November, starting at 7p. The suggested donation at the door is $30, but everyone is welcome to give what you’re able.
The official lineup reads like a Cape Cod Lalapalooza: Josh, Missy & George (of the Dirty Water Dance Band), Keb Hutchings (tours with Keb Mo & Taj Mahal), Adrian Punch (of Wildflower Lane), Chris Georgenes (of the Boston Naturals), Catie Flynn (of Salted Folk), and Mr Michael Gabriel & his majestic steel pan. Philly native & long-time Orleansian G. Love will also come through for make a special appearance. This roster is built to draw everybody into the November night and with a suggested donation of $30, that stands to be a solid haul to help the friendlies on the island.
When you consider that Todd is going to match the donation (in addition to the help he’s already been offering in the week intervening), you can start to see how tightly interwoven the community fabric is, how strongly he feels about the folks working with & for him in the Squire, and the faith he has in the locals out here to support the community - which is powered in part by the grit and heart of the Jamaican community.
Desperate Times
Taking it a step further, Todd tapped Peaches & Shaneice to oversee the aid and be sure it’s delivered and, more importantly, distributed to the people who need it once it arrives in Jamaica sometime over the next month.
Anyone who’s paid any attention to the aftermath of the storm can see that the western part of the humble country has been visited by destruction on a scale that maybe only the Katrina, or the Carolina floods, or LA fires can fathom. As we reported in our last entry to shine some light on the people sitting next to you most affected, whatever homes are left standing are sheltering any and all citizens, not just close families & friends. The hospitals have been destroyed, schools on the West side of the island are gone - there is no logical quarter - take cover as you can find it is the order.
Because of that, folks are in survival mode and, when that occurs, some people are going to get left behind. History has shown us that there will always be spiritually bereft opportunists who will take advantage dring crises - and this prospect bothers the ladies. Outside influences can easily corrupt the necessary calm and order. Net-net: the people who are the most in need are in the locations hardest to service, so the aid meant for them falls not always to others in need of it but sometimes to the less well-meaning operators, who will start charging absurd amounts of money for whatever they’re able: a sheet of zinc (used for roofs) has criminally gone up as much as 150%. Bottled water doesn’t always find the thirstiest mouths.
Peaches and Shaneice have their closest family on the ground in Westmoreland, which, along with St James and St Elizabeth, are the areas which suffered the most drastic damage on the island. They’re painfully aware of how badly relief is needed and know who needs it - so they’ll be the ones to receive the Cape Cod shipment when it arrives sometime over the next month.
Anyone who wants to help directly, can be sure that’s happening when they contribute to the Squires fundraiser - the biggest point of motivation for us here a HyperLocal to get that word out. Immediate families of the Squire staff will keep track and be sure that the help is held for who need to receive it. These are unfortunately sharky waters but there is no better way to ensure the package than the steps they’re taking.
Hoping for a Breakthrough
The ladies effuse about the importance, in this moment especially, of their faith and prayer. About digging deep and just straight up having belief that something better is coming, that they will persevere and come out the other side strong.
Showing up to see the show next Wednesday to watch the show, find some reprieve and support from afar is a stellar place to start. Do what you can to lend a hand; they’ll be there all night, come see the bands.
