LAFAYETTE, La. — A Lafayette businessman with ties to Jamaica says Hurricane Melissa’s damage is devastating, but he’s determined to help his community recover.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, with winds of 185 miles per hour. The strongest hurricane in recorded history to make landfall on the island, according to the National Hurricane Center .

KATC spoke with Bobby Marshall, owner of Di Jerk Stop and a native of Jamaica. Most of his family, including his mother, aunts, and other relatives, still live there.

“Oh, definitely,” Marshall said when asked if he was worried about his family. “I was calling my dad all day yesterday and couldn’t hear from him. This morning, I got a call from him that he was OK.”

About 77% of the island lost power, accordin

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