Cousins get keys to homes after Beryl’s destruction

When Hurricane Beryl ripped through sections of Jamaica last July, it tore the roofs off homes and ripped stability from families.

Among those left scrambling were Shawana Carby and her cousin Jodian Johnson, who fled with their 10 children to the one place they knew would never turn them away - the humble home of Lornaline Carby in Holland Mountain, St Elizabeth.

Without a second thought, Carby and her husband opened their doors, even though it meant cramming more than a dozen people into their modest space. But for Carby, there was never a question.

"I took them in because they are mine, and I don't want to see them all over the place, so I tried my best to help them and provide for them and let them have food to eat," she said.

"I'm a family person. I always have family around me, so I was glad having them [and] to help them so that they can [now] try and push out for themselves," she added.

The idea of applying for Food For The Poor (FFTP) Jamaica houses was hers, and one she has no regrets about. She said both she and her husband had no hesitation in giving her daughter, Shawana Carby and niece, Jodian Johnson parts of their land to have the houses built.

On Labour Day, two brand-new houses were built side by side on her land, and the official handover took place on June 4. Valued at US$12,000 (approximately J$1.9 million) each, they mark the first fully funded local FFTP Jamaica houses - 100 per cent covered by Jamaican donors.

"I feel happy to know that they can lay down comfortably in their beds," Carby said, her face beaming with pride.

The homes were built as part of the National Baking Company Foundation (NBCF) and FFTP Jamaica's Labour Day efforts to support vulnerable Jamaicans in meaningful ways. And the moment the keys were handed over was nothing short of magical.

A speechless Shawana Carby could barely hold back her tears as she accepted the keys.

"We were affected by the hurricane. It blew off the zinc. It was bad at the time. I am so elated, excited and everything in one. It's just a blessing coming from you guys. I don't even know how to express myself right now. Thank you so much guys! You don't know what goodness you have done for us at this moment," she said.

Lauri-Ann Samuels, executive director of NBCF, was equally moved by the moment.

"We can only do this because of the Jamaican people, so every time we do something like this, it is in recognition of the fact that Jamaicans have long supported National. So, we are giving back to the people who gave to National and made us who we are," she shared.

Marsha Burrell-Rose, marketing, public relations and missions manager at FFTP Jamaica, praised the partnership as one that uplifts not just families, but the nation.

"This shows how much National believes in what we are doing at Food For The Poor; the mission and vision of what it is that we have to do for the people of Jamaica. As we continue our drive to see how best we can help those who are less fortunate, we are so grateful to have a partner like National to come on board with us," she said.