20 years on, memories of 'Wild Gilbert' still vivid

With Hurricane Ike still blowing in the Gul of Mexico, Patrick Foster recalls Hurricane Gilbert in an article in The Jamaica Observer:

Hurricane Gilbert devastated Jamaica on September 12, 1988, leaving 45 persons dead, losses estimated at over $22 billion, and an indelible mark on those who experienced its fury.

So destructive was Gilbert's impact that then Prime Minister Edward Seaga, on an aerial tour of the island, commented that the country resembled Hiroshima after the dropping of the atom bomb that ended World War II.

Placing in perspective the time that has elapsed, Jamaica's home-grown sprint phenomenon Usain Bolt was a mere two-years-old when Gilbert struck. Time, however, has not removed memories of the harrowing event etched on the minds of many.

In paying homage to the fury of Gilbert, which has been designated the second most intense hurricane of the century by meteorologists, the name has been retired and never will another hurricane be so named.

Gilbert attained category five rating after leaving Jamaica and at times packed winds of up to 180 miles per hour on its journey to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. . . .