Old Harbour group turns to farmers on second Westmoreland mission

Yesterday’s visit, led by the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce, specifically targeted farmers, who comprise 90% of the labour force of New Works situated in the Darliston region. This marks a strategic shift from their first mission in mid-November, which provided immediate relief in the form of food, tarpaulins and medical care packages to hundreds of residents.

New Works is among some of the hardest hit villages by Hurricane Melissa which struck the island on October 28.

Today the New Works Primary School is still being used as a shelter for displaced residents who are having a hard time restarting life afresh. In the aftermath of the devastating category five storm, the South St Cathrine Chamber of Commerce and partners, made New Works its primary target on its first mission, donating hundreds of care packages such as food, tarpaulins, as well as medical assistance. 

“The farmers were elated, because what we did the first time is to cater for everybody. But this time we paid special emphasis on the farmers even though we placed emphasis on [the] household and newborn babies and pregnant women,” said Treacha Reid, president of the influential business group in Old Harbour. 

For Reid the decision to focus on the farmers is in keeping with the old adage: “You give a man a fish you feed him for a day. But you teach him how to fish you feed him for a lifetime.”

She added: “So we as a chamber that instead of just giving people rice, flour, sugar its best to give them back their livelihood… by helping them to plant back the foods damage by the hurricane.” 

Lileith Hesty, owner of W&B Enterprise, Hardware and Farm Store here in the Church Pen area of Old Harbour has been among the most ardent supporters of the chamber’s mission and an ever-present mission. 

 “You cant live in a house and hungry. So, this time we come to ensure [that they will be in a position to feed themselves],” she said. “[So we] give them chemicals and teach them how to apply the chemicals. W&B and the chamber of commerce are here for the people.”

Roger Wilson, a farmer, was grateful for the help. He told Old Harbour News that he lost all three houses in the storm and now calls a makeshift shack made out of zinc his home. 

“A get a little food, I get a little canvas (tarpaulin) as you can see. Others get plenty things which I really appreciate,” said Wilson, who noted he was hoping to get some tomato seeds but was still appreciate for the carrot and cabbage seeds he got.

Marilyn Myers, president, Lions Club, Old Harbour, said it was a good experience partnering with the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce in “assisting our fallen brothers and sisters”. 

“We are happy to serve the people of Westmoreland and it’s our pleasure,” Myers said “and we hope to serve the community more as we go throughout the year and the new year, because this is not a sprint this is a long marathon and we are here for the long haul.”

Charmaine Samuels shelter manager at the New Works Primary School which serves as the distribution hub for the team, says words are not enough to express the deep love and appreciation towards the people of Old Harbour for supporting them during this difficult time. 

“We are more than grateful. It is indeed a pleasure because you were the very first group to come into this community and now you are here bringing back more in terms of helping the farmers to get back on their feet. Some farmers got seeds and chemicals and for that we are extremely grateful. On behalf of the farmers, I want to say a big thank you to the entire team for what you’ve done.”

In her own estimation normalcy will likely return to the community between “six months to a year”, Samuels contends. The recently retired school principal, said classes at New Works Primary will resume December 8 for only Grade Six students preparing for final year national exams in the first quarter of 2026. But several challenges exist at the moment must be addressed. 

However, with Old Harbour making a meaningful contribution to their recovery efforts, plenty hope remains. The chamber will continue to support the community as part of its corporate social responsibility, said its president. 

“If we are about commerce, then what better way to help the persons in New Works than to help them bring back commerce to New Works,” she said.