Yesterday's STAR story on 92-year-old Fitzgerald Gustoff narrow escape from the Wag Water as Tropical Storm Gustav caused it to overflow its banks is sure to touch a lot of hearts.

After all, the image of a frail, elderly man who sometimes has to use a walker and a wheelchair being cradled in the arms of a young in-law is a striking one.

And we are sure that this tale of movement, as moving as it is, is not isolated. There would have been many who helped and were helped, by relatives, friends and even strangers as the disaster struck last week.

SENSE OF HOPE

It is this sense of community which gives us hope in Jamaica, despite the numerous financial, infrastructural and social woes which beset us. At the end of the day, in the eye of the storm, Jamaicans do tend to bond together to help each other.

It is not done at the urging of any influential official or a public campaign. The helping hand is extended spontaneously and often.

So while Tropical Storm Gustav wreaked havoc on the country, we know the loss of life would have been much worse had it not been for situations such as Fitzgerald Guscott, where someone who would have been unable to help themselves was assisted in getting to safety. A few stories will be reported in the press, but most will not.

Still, those who have found a friend in the storm will never forget it.