The track of Hurricane Matthew is being watched closely by people in Connecticut with family in the Caribbean.
Connecticut also has a large community from Jamaica whose thoughts are with the country in the path of this dangerous storm.
From Scotts’ Jamaican Bakery in Hartford to the West Indian Social Club, more than 54,000 people in Connecticut are watching as Hurricane Matthew swirls toward their native country.
“Hoping for the best and praying it doesn’t hit Jamaica, hopefully,” says Toni-Kay Brown, who works at Scotts’ Jamaican Bakery.
“We’re all concerned and not just for our immediate family, just for our homeland,” says Seanna Bowen on Windsor Locks.
“I have friends and family in Jamaica,” says Shanique Fenlator.
Fenlator’s friend snapped pictures of a packed grocery store as people stocked up on the western side of the island.
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“The general mindset that I’ve heard is they would rather be overly prepared than not prepared at all,” says Fenlator.
The latest prediction is the hurricane will hit Jamaica on Monday.
For people who have travel plans to that region, cruise ships are already switching destination ports and several airlines are waiving fees to change or cancel flights.
“We encourage people to make the phone calls, do their research, find out what options they do have,” says Amy Parmenter, AAA Public Affairs Manager.
As people around the Caribbean, from Jamaica to Haiti, ready themselves and their homes, their friends and family in Connecticut stand ready to help in case it’s needed.
“Collectively we are the ones who are going to assist,” says Andrew Lawrence of Hartford.
Many Jamaicans remember the devastation to their country after Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
Because of the threat of these storms during this time of the year it is a slower season for tourists.
