This is a perfect time to pay close attention to the aftermath in Caribbean islands after they were hit by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Both the rich, with their hillside mansions, and the poor with their humble dwellings were brought to the same level when the hurricane wiped out the nations thereby changing their tourism status from islands of paradise. But, the main surprising issue was the lack, prior to the devastation, of the mainlands' attention to their colonies. The affected Caribbean residents in such islands as Guadalupe, St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Thomas and St. John were quite understandable upset that attention should have been given prior to the storm so relief would have been readily available to them. But, even more shocking was the United States' low level of attention to Puerto Rico, their own territory with American citizens. It was not until a week after loud cries via the media from the affected residents, foreign reporters, politicians, etc. that the White House stepped up their efforts to aid Puerto Rican as they did so speedily with Houston and Florida. The main consideration, however, is that if these islands are connected to G-8 countries and they experienced difficulties during the hurricane's aftermath, then how will independent islands such as Jamaica fear after a severe hurricane? In a materialistic dominated atmosphere that relies entirely on tourism, Jamaica will need to consider its fate if such natural disaster occurs. But, then again, it is actually not if but when a severe storm occurs. Certainly, there will be great financial assistance along with other aid from outside sources but, as it can be seen from Hurricane Jose, Irma, and Maria's aftermath, military logistics and high powered government interventions from a mainland country will be necessary to coordinate efforts such as making major distributions; maintaining important infrastructures such as damns; or even relocating residents to a mainland or adjacent territories until the rebuilding process is completed. Haiti is an example of an independent nation that received extensive financial assistance and other aid after every disaster. Yet, the country does not show the benefits since it is not associated with a mainland that would intervene to provide long term commitment to ensure all financial and material aid are properly coordinated and used to the country's benefit. Jamaica, too, does not have a mainland to look to since the island gained its independence in 1962 from England. The aftermath of a severe hurricane or even an earthquake is an urgent issue that must be considered and planned for before a natural disaster occurs.
Jamaica is an island where social services for persons with disabilities are not commonly seen throughout the country. So, people with disabilities have to contend with the daily difficulties that impede their ability to be self-sufficient during their daily movements outside their homes. Even today, newly constructed commercial buildings are not attainable to those persons with disabilities which means that they have continued to experience problems accessing not only the top level floors but even the first level. This problem was commonly noticed in the new city of Portmore where recently constructed buildings such as a medical complex, which is expected to cater to the sick and people with disabilities, do not provide them with accommodations to get to the upper level floors. Since previous and current Jamaican governments has never given any attention to even the buildings they occupy, there is no surprise in their lack of efforts in introducing laws that ensure that commercial buildings throughout the island are constructed with disability access.
