Jamaica After the Storm: Cheryl McCourtie
Wed Jan 28 2026
In this powerful and deeply human episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with writer, cultural advocate, and founder of the Baldhead Empress platform, Cheryl McCourtie, to unpack the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and what recovery really looks like for Jamaica.
On October 28, 2025, the strongest hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history tore through the island—claiming lives, displacing more than 12,000 people, crippling agriculture, and wiping out an estimated 41% of the nation’s GDP. But beyond the headlines and statistics lies a deeper story: one of community resilience, cultural strength, and the urgent need for healing—both physical and psychological.
Cheryl brings a personal and unfiltered perspective as she reflects on watching her homeland endure unimaginable loss while confronting cascading crises in public health, food security, tourism, and mental well-being. Drawing from her work as the Baldhead Empress, she shares how affirmation, storytelling, and community connection become lifelines in moments of collective trauma.
Together, Montel and Cheryl explore:
The real human cost behind disaster numbers
How culture, art, and storytelling help communities heal
The critical role of the Jamaican diaspora and global allies
Why mental health must be central to disaster recovery
What Jamaica’s future can look like with sustained support and solidarity
This is not just a conversation about a hurricane—it’s a conversation about dignity, leadership, resilience, and how we show up for one another when it matters most.
🎧 Listen in, share widely, and join us in supporting Jamaica’s path forward.
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In this powerful and deeply human episode of Free Thinking with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with writer, cultural advocate, and founder of the Baldhead Empress platform, Cheryl McCourtie, to unpack the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and what recovery really looks like for Jamaica. On October 28, 2025, the strongest hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history tore through the island—claiming lives, displacing more than 12,000 people, crippling agriculture, and wiping out an estimated 41% of the nation’s GDP. But beyond the headlines and statistics lies a deeper story: one of community resilience, cultural strength, and the urgent need for healing—both physical and psychological. Cheryl brings a personal and unfiltered perspective as she reflects on watching her homeland endure unimaginable loss while confronting cascading crises in public health, food security, tourism, and mental well-being. Drawing from her work as the Baldhead Empress, she shares how affirmation, storytelling, and community connection become lifelines in moments of collective trauma. Together, Montel and Cheryl explore: The real human cost behind disaster numbers How culture, art, and storytelling help communities heal The critical role of the Jamaican diaspora and global allies Why mental health must be central to disaster recovery What Jamaica’s future can look like with sustained support and solidarity This is not just a conversation about a hurricane—it’s a conversation about dignity, leadership, resilience, and how we show up for one another when it matters most. 🎧 Listen in, share widely, and join us in supporting Jamaica’s path forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.