Since May I have been hiding in the Caribbean, which must sound idyllic. I have been volunteering with All Hands and Hearts Smart Response, who have been aiding islands in the Caribbean after Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit in September 2017. When I was applying to volunteer for response relief, an old friend questioned why I would volunteer in the Caribbean when the hurricanes were 8-9 months ago. Is it just a holiday in paradise? On arrival to St Thomas, US Virgin Island I asked my local taxi driver how long she thought it would take to get back to ‘normality’, and she estimated 3 years. As we drove, I was shocked to see the blue tar-pooling roofs and homes still in ruins. I applied to volunteer to work on the recovery stages after the hurricanes, yet on arrival, the volunteers were still working on response sites. The impact of a natural disaster doesn’t last for a day or week, it can extent to years and even generations.
It’s been nine months since the hurricanes devastated the Caribbean. The people of the Virgin Islands describe it as the worst storm they have ever seen. Although fatalities were low in the midst of the hurricanes, the aftermath took more lives as hospitals closed, and homes were destroyed. If individuals were fortunate enough not to experience a fatality or physical illness, there is a prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder across the island. Even now, only one public school is open, where students attend half days to allow more pupils to can gain access to basic level of education. Therefore the hurricane didn’t just impact in September, the impression will last generations as the school children are granted half educations. Consequently as the children aren’t preoccupied at school all day, parents work less hours as they are caring for their children, and have less time to mend their homes. Although the island has improved since September, there is still a long way to form a new normality.
All hands and hearts take on volunteers from all walks of life to work on the reconstruction of homes and schools. Most volunteers, like myself, do not have construction experience but have the willingness to learn. I’ll admit that before I arrived, I had never picked up a hammer. That’s the beauty of the organization, they take people who simply want to help and train them to use power tools or take out sinks etc. When I first arrived we were mainly working on muck and gut of people’s homes. This typically involves removing unwanted possessions, organising furniture and sentimental items that home owners want to keep, followed by tearing down walls and ceilings.
Additionally, in the last few weeks, we have been working on rebuild sites of schools and daycare centers, where we start from scratch by putting on walls, ceilings, floors. We recently finished a nursery called Bright Stars, and were invited by the owner to celebrate the completion. It was immensely rewarding to see the finished result, and the happiness from the owner and the community. Finally children can return back to school. The recovery process is so crucial for the people of the island.
The most rewarding aspect of volunteering on disaster relief is the hope that we bring to home owners. Often it is just the volunteer presence that initially uplifts them and provides a light at the end of the tunnel. As we get to work, it feels extremely satisfying to interact or even work alongside the home owner, and exchange story. Once the home is complete, the home owner has new lease of life, laughing, smiling, and eternally grateful. There is nothing more rewarding than getting to know the family, giving them the control of what happens to their house, and improving their home and life outlook.
I have multiple antidotes of amazing home owners, but one that I want to share is about a 75 year old lady Audrey, who was hesitant and resistant for help. When we first arrived she seemed a little nervous and hostile. Our scope of work was in her bedroom which was covered in decade’s worth of clothes and rat droppings that covered her bed. There was also water damage and mold, so we had to remove the carpet. Throughout the day we took it in turns to talk with her and sort through her clothes. As she gained our trust, she slowly detached herself from her ruined possessions, and opened up about her extraordinary life. By the end of the day she was dancing, laughing and didn’t want us to leave. She was a complete different person to the individual we met in the morning. Yes we worked on her bedroom, but we also influenced her to feel positively again.
Home owner OJ
On a personal level, I’ve learnt many new skills such as how to use power tools, knock out walls, empathise and connect with home owners. It’s been incredible. I live and work beside 40ish volunteers from all countries and ages. Everyone is treated equal and girl power is strong! I’ve made friends for life by living in what I can only describe as a hippy commune in a condemned school. We share everything: food, chores, stories, laughter, tears, and of course rum. Around the Island, the volunteers are treated with the upmost respect and gratitude. It feels rewarding to know that our hard work means so much to the community.
Want to volunteer? https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/
Dr Daniella Watson 