Gustav's gift to Rae Town
published:
Friday | August 29, 2008
Residents of Rae Town, Kingston, scramble for fish as strong waves lash the Kingston shoreline yesterday.
While some Jamaicans were busy running away from the oncoming Tropical Storm Gustav, some residents of downtown Kingston were running towards it with buckets, scandal bags, pots, pans and everything else they could find. They were hoping to catch fish that were literally jumping out of the water and on to the beach.
The residents discovered the catch around 4 p.m. when they saw some policemen at the seashore staring down into the rough polluted sea along Victoria Pier. To their amazement, they saw a school of fish popping out of the murky water in almost miraculous proportions reminiscent of biblical miracles. Many quickly grabbed what they could, while others quickly fetched containers for the catch.
As news spread about the bounty, scores of people scampered to the area, anxious to get their share of the Gustav gift.
"Me see some police down there so and mi cousin call me and wi go down there and start pick dem up," said one woman, who had caught about a dozen fish.
It was a real fish fest, where a wide variety was available for the catchers. Grunt, parrot and grouper in various sizes will make quite a feast for residents. One man supposedly caught a jackfish. However, when our news team arrived, we were unable to locate him.
Lucky catch
The residents said their lucky catch was washed ashore by the storm currents.
The increased intensity of the rains caused by the storm did not deter other residents, who heard about the surprise catch, from seeking out a piece of the action.
Armed with crates, buckets and just about anything that could carry the fish, adults and children rushed to the waterfront, lining the shoreline from Rae Town to Port Royal Street. They moved feverishly to find the right spot that was offering the best reward. Despite the heavy downpours and the rising tide, the residents cast their fears aside for the prospect of a free-fish meal.
This resident of Rae Town, Kingston, carries a bucket of fish, which were washed ashore during wind and rain associated with Tropical Storm Gustav, yesterday. - PHOTOS BY Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Marine biologist Peter Gayle surmises the fish could have jumped from the sea as a result of being robbed of oxygen because of excessive nutrients that could have washed into the marine environment from land.
"It could also be that there was something caustic in the water," Gayle guessed.
Environmentalist Peter Espeut has a similar theory. He believes the fish could have found themselves on land because of a condition called chemical oxygen demand, in which chemicals in the water could be robbing the fish of oxygen, forcing them to find air above the ocean.
"With the Kingston Harbour so polluted, it might be a possible explanation," he said.
Family emergency plan
Assign roles/responsibilities for hurricane preparedness and evacuation to each member of the household long before actual storm.
Establish an evacuation plan and map out exit strategy and route.
Review emergency plans monthly.
Ensure all doors and windows are properly secured to make break-ins difficult.
Alert parish disaster coordinator and police when evacuating premises.
Place furniture on raised platform, e.g. building blocks, to prevent flood damage.
If not carrying all important documents, such as passports and ID cards, lock them in a watertight container.
One person was injured yesterday as this minibus carrying four persons overturned on Hope Road in St Andrew. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle after it skidded on the wet road. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
Hurricane tips
Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods, such as tuna, sardines, canned sausage, crackers, canned fruit
Manual can opener
Battery-powered radio, flashlight and many extra batteries
First-aid kit
Medication
Important documents, including passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
Change of clothes for everyone
Emergency tools
Extra set of home and car keys
Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids
