Hurricane Melissa reshapes a Jamaica-England netball collision into more than a scoreline
By Emma Middleton
BBC Sport journalist
“I’ve never witnessed anything like it, and I hope I never will again.”
Jamaican netballer Khadijah Williams was meant to be gearing up for a series against England, but instead she and several teammates found themselves aiding relief operations back home after Hurricane Melissa smashed across the Caribbean in October.
The storm tore through communities, levelled homes, and crippled infrastructure. Around 1.5 million people—more than half of Jamaica’s population—were affected, and 28 lives were lost.
For Williams, teammate Abigale Sutherland recalls days spent finding her grandfather, whose roof had been torn from his house, while widespread power outages left the national team unable to train together.
Both of Jamaica’s home games in the four-test Horizon Series were called off, but the team is set to face England twice this weekend in London’s Horizon Series, with coverage on the BBC.
These fixtures carry significance far beyond the result lines.
“I’m grateful you’re alive”
Sutherland described the tense weeks after the hurricane. “I didn’t hear from my grandfather for several days. When I finally spoke to him, I cried with relief and gratitude that he’s still here,” she said.
Communication across the island was badly disrupted as power failures persisted.
“We didn’t have any phone service at all,” Williams added.
The landscape of Jamaica was described as being “flattened” by many residents, and many communities still lacked electricity and reliable water access.
Williams and fellow Sunshine Girl Shanice Beckford joined relief efforts, distributing care packages containing food, sanitary supplies, and nappies.
Beckford, a two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and a silver medallist for Jamaica, said: “It’s heartbreaking to witness what our fellow countrymen endure. Yet the moment we can bring a smile and a little relief to them, it’s incredibly heartwarming.”
Image: Netball Jamaica
“We couldn’t train.”
Last year Jamaica upset England to win Horizon Series 2-1. This year’s opening matches, originally scheduled for early December in Jamaica, were canceled due to Hurricane Melissa, with the fixture rearranged for two games at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Jamaica, ranked third globally, will face England, ranked fourth, in a two-match series under different preparation circumstances.
Beckford described the disruption: “We couldn’t train for two weeks. There was no light, no electricity, no signal, so we weren’t on court.”
Sutherland explained the team’s improvised approach: “Coaches sent us home tasks, and we did what we could, though some teammates couldn’t access them.”
Image: Getty Images
“This is about more than the scoreline.”
England Netball will donate £1 from every Horizon Series ticket to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, and fans can contribute to the British Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Despite the difficult backdrop, England captain Francesca Williams affirmed their commitment: “We’re not holding back. You play your best to help the team win and to show respect by giving your all.”
Williams also noted that the matches carry a broader purpose for both teams, with Jamaica keen to compete just as fiercely under any circumstances.
For Jamaica, the series provides an opportunity to lift spirits back home.
Sutherland shared that Jamaicans are waking up to watch the games on TV, dressed in black, green, and gold. She hopes her grandfather can tune in if power is restored to his area in time.
“He’s excited I’m on tour and wants to know how he’ll watch,” she said. “He strolls around telling everyone: ‘My granddaughter is a Sunshine Girl!’”
And this is the part people may overlook: the series serves as a lifeline of resilience, solidarity, and national pride amid recovery, not merely a contest between nations.
