Clergyman concerned about psychological damage to hurricane victims

 

Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Jamaica, the Right Reverend Leon Golding, is warning that the psychological damage to the victims of Hurricane Melissa will be a major challenge for the authorities. 

 

Reverend Golding, who toured ravaged communities on the weekend, told Radio Jamaica News that the leaders of churches have been meeting to devise a strategy to help those in desperate need. 

 

"The Jamaica Council of Churches has had a head of churches meeting with an effort for us to work together in reaching those devastated by the hurricane. As a diocese our first priority is people and their needs. We are seeking not only to send items to meet their physical needs, but to be present with them, to give comfort, to pray with them. There is concern for their well-being and mental state as many of them would have been traumatised by the experience. The Jamaica Council of Churches is concerned about this, and counselling therapists and other professionals have offered their services through the churches," he disclosed.

 

He said an assessment is now being conducted on the number of churches damaged during the storm in western Jamaica. 

 

"The third area of concern for us as a diocese is the damaged church building. As a diocese we will have to be practical about the way forward in repairing and restoring church buildings. Areas where extensive damage has taken place are Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny, Manchester, St. James... and over in St. Ann have damage but not as severe. Other properties like our children's homes and schools have been affected by the hurricane. We will assess the level of destruction and damage and determine a way forward," said Reverend Golding.