Jay A heartbroken by ravaged St Elizabeth

Emerging dancehall artiste Jay A and his 1Nato team visited communities in St Elizabeth on the weekend, where he handed out nearly 100 care packages to the elderly and people who were left homeless due to Hurricane Melissa.

"It was an emotional thing for me...the devastation...just to see it up close. We see dead people ah rotten in the communities around Black River, dead animals, the stench was terrible," Jay A recounted. He was so moved by the experience that he recorded and released a new song titled Love Jamaica on the Rapid Production label.

"We went beyond Treasure Beach to help the people, we gave out packages in Southfield, and we focused on communities beyond Black River. We went to Billy's Bay and the area is fully covered, and the communities after you pass Jack Sprat and go round, the houses were covered by water. The houses mash up, vehicles gone, dem lose everything...it was heartbreaking," Jay A said.

He chronicled a hellish landscape of downed trees, demolished houses, and communities marooned by stagnant waters fetid with the stench of dead livestock.

"Some people lose everything, mi see babymothers ah stop us and ah ask for Pampers. Remember these are proud people, people involved in the agricultural and fishing sector who are used to fending for themselves. Now dem sit down at some shop front and have to be begging for help; it's heartbreaking. Mi see a Rastaman who lose his boat cause a container drop on it, his mother and father's grave wash out by the waters. All he could say was 'Thank God I am alive, give thanks for life,'" Jay A said.

He said that the excursion was forced to turn back at Goshen, when he realised that the community was still inundated.

"Goshen stay bad man. There are people still stuck in their houses there," he said.

Jay A chatted with residents and listened to their near-death experiences, trying to render comfort where he could.

"Mi nuh rich but I hope the little I give can inspire or motivate others to do the same. Mi love mi place Jamaica," Jay A said.