Hurricane Melissa Forces Leading Sports Programme Out of Competition, Athletes Left Homeless

The renowned sports programme at St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) has been dealt a severe blow following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, forcing the institution to pull out of several ongoing competitions.

The Category 5 hurricane, which ravaged the western end of the island last Tuesday, has caused widespread destruction, claimed over 30 lives, and left the school's athletic facilities in ruins.

Winston Nevers, the school's principal, confirmed that extensive damage to the playing fields and gymnasium has rendered them unusable. This has brought the school's athletic activities to an abrupt halt.

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Kerry-Lee Ricketts, a senior coach at STETHS, described the situation as a "massive setback." He revealed that many of the school's athletes have been displaced, with some now living in shelters after their homes were destroyed.

"I have spoken to some of my athletes," Ricketts, the school's jumps coach, told the Jamaica Star. "We attract a lot of athletes from Westmoreland, Trelawny, and St. James, so 60 per cent of our athletes are from that region. Several of my athletes don't have a home right now and are basically still staying in shelters."

While the main field is reportedly in good condition, other critical facilities suffered significant damage. The gymnasium, in particular, took a major hit.

"We have damage on the general facility, in terms of the stands, the seating area, and the gym," Ricketts explained.

"I think the gym is what took the biggest hit, where some of the equipment is damaged. We are going to need a lot of equipment and repairs to the roof and general structure."

The damage extends to the school's boarding facilities, impacting both sports and academic programmes.

"The school itself suffered a lot of damage," Ricketts stated. "The boarding facility needs a lot of repairs. We lost the roof on the female dorm... and the male dorm is the same."

He added that a swift return to normalcy is unlikely. "At the moment, we haven't had athletes back in the dorm yet, and I don't think we will be reopening any time soon due to the damage to the classrooms as well."

Despite the devastation, the Jamaican track and field community has rallied in support. Ricketts noted that several of the nation's top athletes have been actively involved in recovery efforts.

"Several Jamaicans who are from this side, and some who are not, have come down and are giving back," he said.

"Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Shanieka Ricketts, Tajay Gayle, Hansle Parchment, and Junelle Bromfield, along with myself, have been assisting in the best way we can."

Ricketts, who also sustained personal property damage, expressed gratitude for being alive despite the difficult road ahead.