Many people were affected when Hurricane Sandy devastated Jamaica. But this natural disaster has brought the world together to help those affected in this time of need. According to the Jamaican Gleaner, “Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says representatives of governments from the international community have made contact to enquire how they can assist the country to recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.” The Prime Minister is confident that the Jamaican people can overcome the obstacles set forth by Sandy.

The Education Ministry has also been working hard to reopen schools as soon as possible. Currently, the ministry is looking for programs in which funds can be temporarily diverted to pay for the repair of the damage caused by the hurricane.

You are probably wondering how all of the Great Shape! Volunteers are doing? Papa Joe, Executive Director, says “From what I could see, there was not a lot of damage in and around Mobay… Volunteers did great. It was like a hurricane party.” We also connected with some of the other volunteers via Facebook, so that they could keep us updated. Volunteer Dianne Schimmel Wege wrote, “Despite no electricity or water all clinics, we’re up and running today with the good ole generators! Bless Skip and the twins Roshane and Oshane for all their unbelievable hard work!! If it weren’t for them we would be dead in the water so to speak.”

Hurricane Sandy has caused much strife for those in Jamaica, but through their spirit and courage, they can put their country back together.