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When Category 5 Hurricane Melissa struck Westmoreland and other western parishes on October 28, 2025, it left widespread destruction across homes, crops, roads and infrastructure. For Pastor Damian Robinson of the Church of God of Prophecy at Waterworks Tabernacle, the immediate challenge was locating his congregation members scattered across the island. Walking through difficult terrain, he managed to account for 98 percent of his roughly 50 official members, many of whom had lost wooden structures with zinc roofs and were left living under tarpaulins or with relatives in concrete homes.
One year later, the church building remains roofless, with services now held in an outdoor space covered by tarpaulins sourced from the national church and donors. Robinson has described the journey as difficult but purposeful, noting that the congregation has adapted by adjusting worship times around sunlight and expanding their makeshift worship area. Despite the physical devastation, the pastor has witnessed spiritual growth—over 12 people were saved in the immediate aftermath, with three baptisms in the first month following the hurricane and four in the second month.
The Waterworks Tabernacle has evolved into far more than a place of worship. According to the Jamaica Observer, the church compound became a distribution hub for aid organizations, foundations, and donors providing relief to the community. Robinson explained that the arrival of vehicles on church grounds sparked hope among residents still living under tarpaulins, as these often brought food, care packages, and assistance. The church remains a refuge for both members and non-members seeking help and community support.
Robinson acknowledged the ongoing challenges while expressing cautious optimism about reconstruction. The church is working on architectural plans to build a resilient structure that meets regulatory requirements, but significant financial support has not yet materialized. He credited overseas supporters, local donors, and organizations such as the Goals Have No Limit Foundation for sustaining the congregation through the recovery process. Though discouragement occasionally surfaces, Robinson remains committed to ensuring the church does not falter, viewing the disaster as an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love and the church’s essential role in community healing.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica’s western parishes on October 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction to housing, agriculture, and infrastructure. The Church of God of Prophecy at Waterworks Tabernacle, located in Westmoreland, was among the many structures severely damaged, losing its roof and main hall. Pastor Damian Robinson had been leading the congregation for two years at the time of the hurricane.
This story reflects the resilience and faith-centered recovery efforts common across Caribbean communities following major hurricanes. It illustrates how local churches serve as critical anchors for displaced populations and aid distribution in the aftermath of natural disasters, a pattern repeated throughout the region. The story also highlights the vulnerability of communities living in leased lands with non-concrete structures—a widespread housing challenge across the Caribbean.
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