Grateful for life - News team rescued by good Samaritan, cops as Hurricane Beryl lashed island

On Wednesday, when myself and fellow journalist Andre Williams and photographer Ian Allen journeyed to St Elizabeth to provide coverage on Hurricane Beryl, it never once crossed our minds that we would be writing our own stories.

We all knew the dangers that we signed up for when we became journalists and the profession has taught me valuable lessons; but none was comparable to this. The lesson was unfiltered, raw and terrifying. But thanks to Oneil Robinson, a good Samaritan and guardian angel in human form, we were able to weather the storm and got safely back to Kingston.

Up to about 3 p.m., there was hardly any sign that Beryl was about to create havoc in St Elizabeth. There were a few light showers and the wind blew moderately. Fisherfolk at Treasure Beach were not taking any chances though as they pulled their boats to higher ground. Santa Cruz was eerily quiet and hardly any form of life was observed. Although forecasters gave frequent updates and predicted that St Elizabeth and other parishes were about to feel Beryl's wrath, the rain continued to fall lightly and there were hardly any activities to report on.

We decided to take a break and made a stop at the Black River Fire Station. About an hour later we headed out again, and that was the beginning of our experience. As we travelled along Holland Bamboo behind the fire unit, the wind gained strength and the bamboos began uprooting. But luckily for us and other motorists, the firefighters were on the ground clearing the blockage. After capturing footage of the hard-working team, we bid our goodbyes and started out for Kingston. But Beryl said 'No'. The wind and rain intensified, and it didn't take long for us to meet up in another bamboo trap. Allen quickly turned the vehicle around as he tried to make his way back to Black River but Holland Bamboo was just not having it. The crackling sound of the falling bamboos was scary and those that were not yet uprooted appeared to be taunting us, as the giant trees bent towards the vehicle. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when we spotted a team of police officers from Lacovia Police Station. We explained our dilemma and they did not hesitate to offer assistance.

Armed with a cutlass, one of the cops cut away the giant bamboos; the aim was to get us safely out of Holland Bamboo but that proved a challenge. The giant plants were falling in numbers but the officers, whose uniforms were drenched with rainwater, were resilient. Realising that the journey would be extremely hazardous, they led us through a shortcut to the Maggoty main road. That too posed a challenge with more fallen trees. Hats off to the three police officers who again went above and beyond their duties to clear the roadway. Shortly after, they bid us goodbye, but not before we all thanked them for their services. Beryl was building her rage and mangoes and other fruits were 'stoning' our vehicle. At this time we drove around hoping to find a safe space but none was available. Sheets of zinc were flying from buildings along with huge tree branches. I was convinced that Allen and Williams could hear my pounding heartbeats. With business places and homes shut tight, the aim was to continue on our journey to Kingston.

With the main roads being blocked, we decided to escape through the Mountainside community. Electricity and phone signals were down, so a call or text of distress was out of the picture. We were on our own. As Allen skilfully manoeuvred the roadway, myself and Williams played our part by removing sections of broken trees from the vehicle's path. We had to dodge sheets of zinc and other flying objects while being cold and drenched. We had to park outside of a church the roof of which was already being lifted by the winds. The next three hours were not for the faint of heart. The SUV was our only refuge and the wind had it dancing. The entire space was engulfed in darkness and the wind and rain howled. The sound of trees breaking and the thought of them landing on the vehicle left me in total fear. My eyes welled up with tears as I searched my phone for a signal that wasn't there. Thoughts of my immediate family flashed before me and I wondered how they would survive should I not make it out alive.

The three hours felt like days until we saw the lights from two vehicles. Forgetting that we were in the middle of an active hurricane, I dashed towards them. It was there that we met Robinson and another resident who were on their way to rescue a relative whose house was badly damaged. Fallen trees prevented them from going any further but they didn't hesitate in rendering us assistance. At the time, there were no introductions but the two strangers told us not to worry. Robinson not only opened his doors to the three of us but also provided us with a meal and a comfortable space to spend the night. God was in the mood to grant miracles for us as our phones got signals just enough to contact our loved ones. As I sat in the living room of our good Samaritan, my eyes welled up with tears again but this time it was with appreciation and gratitude. Prayers from our loved ones, editors and co-workers reached the ears of the Almighty and for that I will be forever grateful.

But, most of all I want to extend the biggest thanks to Robinson and his family for inviting us into their personal space. I will forever be grateful for such act of kindness. Heart of love my brother.