Treasure Beach farmer worried for residents with zinc roofs and board houses

Dowan Hill, a farmer living in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, says he's fearful that community members with zinc roofs and board houses will be badly affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Hill, who was seen sitting on a column outside his home listening to the news, said he is hopeful of little damage to the area.

"Mi kinda worried for the people who have zinc roof, board house, and weh live near the water. How things look, it possible where they lose everything," said Dowan, who is fearful for the farmers, including himself.

"Mi 100 per cent prepared. I am pretty much worried, but I am safe because I have deck roof and I made the necessary preparations," Hill added.

For Hill, the only thing left to do is keep himself informed.

"Mi a listen some news before it go weh. Mi have to get some information in before everything gone," said Dowan.

Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm with winds in excess of 160 miles per hour, is inching toward Jamaica on Monday and is expected to move near or over the Caribbean island on Tuesday.

Some additional strengthening is forecast today, with fluctuations in intensity likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday.

Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as a powerful major hurricane and will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas.

- Ashley Anguin

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