Biggaton rebuilding homes for Hurricane Melissa victims

In a district still bearing the scars of Hurricane Melissa, one man is quietly rebuilding homes that the storm destroyed.

Using his own savings and labour, Kevin 'Biggaton' Roye has taken on the task of repairing 10 houses for families in Newton, St Elizabeth. Roye began the effort shortly after the hurricane's passage late last month, saying he felt compelled to act after seeing how badly his neighbours were affected.

"We have a hurricane and disaster, so I feel like it is my duty to reach out and see how best I can help," he said.

The project has already cost him more than $700,000, funded entirely from his personal account. Three of the homes are now roofed, while others are at different stages of completion. Each will include a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen built from concrete and lumber supplied by local hardware stores.

"It's an area weh nobody nah go, nobody nah get nuh help yah so," he said. "A lot of people focusing on the nearer areas where everybody can reach, so me decide fi help on this side. I have family here too, so that's part of the reason."

Newton lies several miles inland from Black River, and was among the communities cut off after heavy rains and flooding. Access roads were blocked for days, leaving residents stranded and waiting for help that never came.

"When mi first reach back after the storm, mi couldn't believe the damage," Roye told THE WEEKEND STAR. "Roof gone, walls down, and people just a try piece together what left."

Roye and a few local masons now work daily to repair structures and replace roofs. Some residents bring water or stop to lend a hand. Others simply stand by to watch, grateful to see progress.

"It turn into a community thing now," he said. "People come and help mix cement or carry board. Even if them just cheer we on, it help."

Among the homes being rebuilt is that of a blind man known as Denton, who lost everything. Roye said that he was directed to Denton by his cousin Tracy.

"When I went there and see the condition, it mash me up. Him blind, no roof, no food, no water, nothing at all. If the rain drizzle, him wet up same time," he said. Roye is rebuilding Denton's house from scratch, including a small kitchen so he can live independently.

While food and water distributions have reached some parts of the parish, Roye believes lasting recovery depends on shelter.

"We cya live without food or water, but when dem belly full fi 30 minutes, what happen after?" he questioned. "People need somewhere safe fi sleep. When you fix a roof, you fix a family."

He hopes to complete all 10 homes within two weeks, depending on the weather and the supply of materials. Despite the exhaustion, he describes the work as rewarding.

"It's a good feeling to give back," he said. "You giving hoping it will come back to you, but that's not the aim. You're giving with a willing heart."

Outside of this effort, Roye is known in St Elizabeth as a roots-reggae performer and herbal practitioner. But he insists this initiative is not about publicity.

"Do things from your heart," he said. "You don't have to do it because of social media. People don't need to see you give to know you care."

As he tightened a new zinc sheet over a concrete frame, Roye said he's simply thankful he can make a difference.

"For me, it's not about fame," he said. "It's about knowing that when rain fall again, 10 families can sleep dry."