As the hurricane season has begun, one of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural icon Esther Henry highlighted her most memorable moment in her book which could be a reminder to the public to be helpful and humble as we do not know the outcome of tropical storms.
In her book, De Gyal From Greenbay, Henry recounted the passing of Hurricane Hugo which was one of the more catastrophic hurricanes experienced. The storm’s violent winds and surges, along with the heavy rainfall destroyed thousands of buildings and caused power outages from the Caribbean all the way into Canada, thereby causing lengthy disruption to lives and businesses.
She said she checked with her neighbours, the elderly, and anyone who may have needed additional help in securing food, which she delivered on foot.
“I recall leaving my two boys at home and would walk long distances with debris all over the place just to deliver the food,” she reminisced.
Henry said in moments of such crises, the spirit of generosity and community support often shines brightly. She made mention that whilst challenges can bring out fear and anxiety, they also reveal the best in humanity.
She noted that neighbours, friends, and even strangers came together to support one another, demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion.
Henry said this book is the gift she is giving to the young people of Antigua and Barbuda and to readers worldwide. She expressed that it’s a torch to be passed on to future generations, so they can know their history and pass it on.
Hurricane Hugo was a devastating storm that impacted Antigua and Barbuda in September 1989. It started as a cluster of thunderstorms near Cape Verde on September 10 and quickly intensified.
By the time Hugo reached the Caribbean, it had developed into a dangerous Category 4 hurricane.
