Jamaicans are used to hurricanes. After all, there are still persons alive who went through hurricane Charlie (also referred to as 51 storm) and there is the much more recent Hurricane Gilbert of 1988. Since the turn of the millennium, the increasing frequency of the tropical tempests has sent Ivan, Dean, Dennis and Emily our way. Although they have not been direct hits, they caused enough damage to make us recognise the sheer force of nature. Still, even for us used to 'breeze blow' Gustav was a surprise. First it was projected to pass between Jamaica and Cuba giving us mostly rain but not so much the howling wind. Then it made a dramatic turn that brought it directly over the country its eye glaring all the way from Morant Point to Negril Point.

So while some stocked up on the required supplies, many did not. And while there were those who did extra shopping, it was not enough to outlast the shutdown of the country. Of course for most people in the urban centres, the disruptions have been temporary. But for rural dwellers especially the poorer folk, it continues and some special consideration must be given to them.

The lessons we have learnt from a surprising Gustav is an old one. But one which we seem to need a reminder of from time to time. We simply cannot afford to take any storm threat lightly. It has been a very costly lesson and we can only hope it will not be repeated any time soon.