An Alberta man is making an impassioned plea to the Canadian government, urging officials to fast-track visa applications for his Jamaican family members who lost everything when Hurricane Beryl tore through the Caribbean last week.
'I Can't Leave Them Behind'
Rohan Parkes, who works as a heavy-duty mechanic in Alberta, describes watching in horror from Canada as the Category 4 hurricane devastated his homeland. His voice breaks as he recounts the moment he finally reached his family after days of anxious waiting.
"Their roof is gone, the walls are damaged, they're sleeping in what's left of their living room," Parkes told CTV News. "I can't leave them there in those conditions. I'm their only hope."
The Aftermath of Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, damaging or destroying thousands of homes and leaving many without power or clean water. The storm, which was the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, has created a humanitarian crisis throughout the region.
Parkes's family members—including elderly relatives and young children—are now living in severely damaged conditions with limited access to basic necessities.
Navigating Canada's Immigration System
The Alberta resident has already submitted temporary resident visa applications for his family members, but he fears the standard processing times could leave his loved ones in dangerous conditions for months.
"I understand there are rules and procedures," Parkes acknowledged. "But this is an emergency situation. These are human lives we're talking about."
Call for Compassionate Processing
Parkes is asking Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to implement special measures for families affected by natural disasters, similar to programs launched during other international crises.
"Canada has always stepped up during humanitarian disasters," he noted. "I'm begging them to see this as the emergency it is."
As his family struggles to survive in Jamaica's hurricane-ravaged landscape, Parkes remains determined to bring them to safety in Alberta, where he can provide shelter and support during their recovery.
