JIK-REUBEN PRINGLE
Deborah Anzinger (centre) from New Local Space (NLS) distributing plants, seedlings and soil to farmers in Flagstaff, Maroon Town, St. James. November 29th, 2025
NLS founder and visual artist Deborah Anzinger has worked with the Maroon Town community for some time now. With this photograph I wanted to show her commitment to the people of St. James. Sorting through Anzinger’s trunk-load of plants, seedlings, and soil, the Flagstaff farmers gathered eager to select what they needed to restart their farms and reforest the land.
Water receding in Content, Manchester. November 29th, 2025.
On the day of this photograph, the flood waters were finally starting to recede, revealing for me a noteworthy reflection of two realities. I saw a sense of happiness, on the one hand, for these homes being returned to their owners but, on the other hand, a sadness because of the loss it still represents for those living in uncertainty in Content.
Indra (left) and Isla (Right) from Sherwood Content, Trelawny. December 6th, 2025
This image was not the goal. On a relief trip with GirlsCare Ja I went on a side quest to document two small homes that were completely destroyed by the hurricane. I asked permission to enter the yard and was granted access by Indra. I introduced myself to the two women and after a long time talking, laughing, and sighing with them over the shocking experiences that they had endured and that my family in Westmoreland had endured as well, camera-shy Indra and naturally-perfect-eyebrows Isla, are now my dear friends from Sherwood Content.
Empty cribs at a nursery in Montego Bay, St. James December 6th, 2025
This used to be a day care centre, but these cribs remain empty after the hurricane because the main building suffered flooding and roof damage. The increased moisture then led to the growth of mold and the associated health risks. Without this daycare facility able to safely open, parents across Montego Bay have had to seek alternative childcare. Melissa disrupted life in so many ways. Many people lost their homes, income, and ability to give care.
Truck with men driving with supplies into Billy’s Bay, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth via community built road as main roads remained flooded after Hurricane Melissa. November 3rd 2025.
Despite Hurricane Melissa’s attempts to topple it, the community’s spirits remained strong in Treasure Beach. While providing relief to a family in Billy’s Bay I saw so many moments of people helping people. I learned that after Hurricane Beryl, the fishermen of Treasure Beach went house to house with rope to tie down roofs using a special knot that prevented some roofs from detaching during storms. I also learned that after Hurricane Melissa the people of Billy’s Bay were trapped because flood waters made roadways in and out impassable. They then came together to cut a road through their own yards so that relief and supplies could enter and pass through as needed. Their spirit of togetherness was beautiful.
Young men playing dominoes in Blenheim, Hanover. November 8th, 2025
In my journeying into the visibly impacted areas of Jamaica, one of the things I was keen to find and document was how people found ways to bring normalcy into their lives through recreational activities that either brought brief windows of joy or a break from the devastation around them. I found these moments often. On the streets were boys playing football, men playing dominoes, people running a boat (our Jamaican-style of potlucking ingredients to prepare a communal meal) while they took their time to rebuild homes.
Offerings being collected at Old Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church, Little London, Westmoreland. November 9th, 2025
The church was damaged due to Hurricane Melissa, but the life of Euton, my father’s childhood friend who passed prior to the hurricane, was still celebrated. Generators were used to power fans and the PA system, and the congregation was able to mourn together. This church serves as a place of refuge for many in their times of need and a funeral, while a somber event, also brought with it a time to connect with family and friends, to share their experiences, and to celebrate what they still have. Though their lives were changed and their homes gone, they all still found money to contribute to the house of the Lord.
A hurdle with “First Place” printed on it at Manning’s High School, Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland. November 14th, 2025
I saw something poetic and symbolic in this moment in Westmoreland. This track and field hurdle rose out of the rubble and stood erect beside the completely destroyed library at Mannings’s High School. Manning’s first opened to students in 1738, which makes it the oldest continuously operating high school in Jamaica. The loss of this historic library was felt by many. However, the words “First Place” spoke to me, giving me the feeling that things will be rebuilt, things are in shambles now, but we shall win again. I shall see the parish and the places I saw growing up as a child return stronger and better as long as we stay united as a community and we all do our part.
