Kingston, Jamaica: – At Border, life moves at the rhythm of the sea and the food village. For generations, vendors and fishermen have built their livelihoods in the community nestled in the St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland parish lines, balancing tradition, hard work, and community ties. Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on Jamaica’s south coast as a Category 5 on October 28, it left the very fabric of their lives – their homes, stalls, nets and boats, and their daily routines – torn.
The beloved food stop is now being restored to its former vibrancy through a rapid-response “Build Back Border” initiative, reigniting both community spirit and national morale. The Foundation stepped into Border, also known as Scott’s Cove, not just with supplies, but with a team echoing the message of its head, award-winning recording artiste Sean Paul: “we see you, we’re here for you, and we’re here to build back with you.”
For the past five weeks Sean Paul and volunteers of the foundation which include family, friends and fellow entertainment industry professionals like recording artistes Chi Ching Ching, Goody Plum, Keely Keyz and Runkus, as well as producer Kirk ‘Koolface’ Ford, have travelled to St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to provide residents with food packages, building materials, tarpaulins, solar powered lights, mosquito nets, tools, and other essential supplies. The assistance aims not only to meet immediate needs, but also to restore dignity, economic stability, and momentum as families work to rebuild.
Beacon of Hope
Among the many vendors working to rebuild is Kevin Hope, popularly as “Coolie Man”, and his business partner Jacqueline Perrin. A familiar face at Border for more than 30 years, Coolie Man’s entire life has been anchored in this cultural landmark.
“Border is a food stop like no other. This is not just my job, this is home and I’m grateful for all who come to support,” Coolie Man shared.
Similar to Coolie Man, this stretch of coastline is not just a workplace – it is the foundation of Monica Baker’s survival. “Border is my life,” she expressed. “That’s where I make my income to send my children to school, build my house – it is everything.”
While Baker has received supplies to rebuild her stall, repairs across the area have to be done in phases and she is strategically working to have hers completed. “What I received from Sean Paul and him team is a blessing – God sent.”
Despite the heartbreak, one shared truth rises ‘across the border’ – unity. Neighbouring vendors are helping each other salvage what little remains, sharing stalls, and offering comfort. “The community has come together and we are helping one another. We already out and about with our pots on the fire, so people can just come out and support as we get the place together,” Baker said with quiet optimism.
It’s within this community spirit that Sean Paul stepped forward to support the reconstruction. For many, his Foundation’s presence means more than physical aid, it means recognition and emotional support. Vendor Tanya Grant expressed what many felt, “Receiving this help right now, means more than just things, it means people care. It means we can start again.”
At just 23 years old, Grant has already experienced more storms that she can remember – and Hurricane Melissa was different. She has spent many years of her life at Border, from watching her grandmother, the late Marlene Berry, prepare well-seasoned fried fish and interacting with loyal customers to helping in the kitchen parttime during her high school years to now, acquiring her own space at the food stop.
“I keep replaying the hurricane in my head. It was hard to come back and face the damage here but Border holds many of my childhood memories (so) I can’t give up on it. I learnt from my grandmother. I’m ready to welcome all our loyal customers – the locals and tourists – because I want to build something better for myself. All the help we are receiving is really giving us hope and motivation to come out and do what we do best,” Grant shared.
There are close to 40 stalls at Border, with about three-quarters located on the St. Elizabeth side. Restroom facilities exist on both sides of the road, but were left without roofs and windows due to the hurricane. The Foundation has also hired local contractors to help clear debris from the shorelines, to ensure that the area was ready for rebuilding, safe and presentable.
“Border is more than a food stop, it’s a symbol of Jamaican culture. Seeing it destroyed broke the hearts of many, including my own. I was happy when Chef Brian Lumley brought Border to my attention as one of the places that people rely on,” said Sean Paul.
Being able to rebuild it, and just engage with the people of the community has been a great experience for me and the entire team. It is good to see people returning for fish, soup, and bammy and just connecting with each other…that’s the spirit of Jamaica. Wi build back. We ah rise again.”
Border is one of more than 20 communities along Jamaica’s south coast that has received support from the Sean Paul Foundation. Through the “Build Back Border” initiative, the Foundation is committed to helping communities recover and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Working alongside organisations such as Food For The Poor Jamaica, World Central Kitchen, Bluefields Bay Villas Foundation, the Government of Jamaica, local churches and schools, the Foundation continues to expand partnerships aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s ongoing recovery efforts.
About the Sean Paul Foundation
The Sean Paul Foundation is committed to empowering communities through humanitarian initiatives, disaster relief, educational programmes, and sustainable development. Rooted in compassion and fuelled by action, the Foundation works to uplift vulnerable communities across Jamaica and beyond.
Persons interested in joining the ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts of the Sean Paul Foundation can contact Carlette DeLeon at (876) 876-383-9768 or email spfoundation@allseanpaul.com.
