By Eden Palmer
Two weeks after a fire ravaged a student-dwelling at 1B University Crescent, Mona, St. Andrew, 17 University of Technology, Jamaica students are still grappling with the aftermath. The blaze, which occurred on September 9, left students homeless and destroyed personal belongings such as laptops, school supplies, medication, money, clothes (uniforms) and sentimental items.
POSSIBLY AVOIDABLE
In the face of the struggle to recuperate and continue their academic journeys, they believe the fire was avoidable. One student stated that he is haunted by feelings of guilt as he was apprehensive of a solar system installation on the property, only 2 days prior to the incident. The student noted they reported flickering lights and power outages thereafter, but claimed no action was taken. “I trusted the ‘experts’, but now I can’t help but feel guilty, because I knew better and should have said something” he added. During the fire, students attempted to operate fire extinguishers but none of them were working. Later they noted that the last inspection date on one was 2018.
While the building’s insurance status is unclear, the students are frustrated by the landlord’s lack of empathy and support following the fire. They are also appalled by his lack of accountability and dismissive response to their recovery inquiries. “He told us he’s at the bigger loss” one student recounted, referring to the loss of his building.
TERRIFYING MOMENT
A student who wished to remain anonymous, recalled the terrifying life changing moment moments before 10 a.m. “There was a power outage so I decided to go back to sleep when I smelled smoke”. She explained that by the time she looked out the window, the thickness of the smoke had cordoned off the side of the building she lived. “As soon as I opened the door, the scent hit me; I immediately started coughing” she recounted. “I ran out with my just my phone, and the clothes on my back. Not even my wallet; it was the grace of God…” reported another student.
PRESSING CONCERNS
Now, the students are trying to rebuild their lives and continue their academic journeys despite the severe disruption. They have found solace in the support of the Mona Baptist Church and UTech Jamaica with the provision of housing on campus. “I expected help, but I did not expect that it would’ve been so much” one of the displaced students commented. Singing praises to the institution for providing a roof over their heads in the meantime- “I am grateful for UTech”.
In the immediate aftermath, the students’ most pressing concern is replacing essential documents, such as birth certificates and national IDs, as well as critical medication (asthma pumps etc.). They also need school supplies- particularly laptops and other electronics, to continue with their academic responsibilities.
Students stated that they are trying their utmost best to remain focused on regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives amidst the loss. “I can’t sleep…I am still trying to process it. Even the scent of smoke is now triggering- I fear for a repeat” one voiced. While the road to recovery is uncertain, they are hopeful that with the help of the university and the community, they will soon be able to get their lives back on track.
