England v Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa reshapes Horizon Series narrative
Jamaica’s series amid disaster transcends the scoreboard
By Emma Middleton
BBC Sport journalist
“I’ve never seen anything like it before. Hopefully I’ll never see it again.”
Khadijah Williams, a Jamaica netballer, should have been preparing for a series against England. Instead, she and several teammates spent days aiding relief efforts at home after Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the Caribbean in October.
The hurricane swept across the region, destroying homes, crippling infrastructure, and flooding communities. Approximately 1.5 million people were affected—more than half of Jamaica’s population—and 28 lives were lost.
For Williams and Abigale Sutherland, another Jamaica player, it took days to locate their families. Sutherland’s grandfather faced a blown-off roof and widespread power outages, making team training nearly impossible as a national squad.
With Jamaica cancelling their two home games in the four-test Horizon Series, the team will still meet England for two matches this weekend in London’s Horizon Series, which will be shown on the BBC.
These fixtures carry meaning beyond results for both sides.
“I’m glad you’re alive.”
Sutherland recalled the anxious days: “I didn’t hear from my grandfather for several days. When I finally did, I cried with relief and thanks. Hearing that he’s alive after such loss was a weight lifted.”
Power outages and damaged communications plagued large parts of the island.
“We didn’t have any phone service at all,” Williams said, describing the fear and uncertainty about loved ones’ safety.
The island’s landscape has been described as “flattened,” with many still without electricity or clean water.
Williams and fellow Sunshine Girl Shanice Beckford joined relief efforts, distributing care packages that contained food, sanitary items, and nappies.
“I literally cried the entire time,” Beckford, a two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and a silver medalist for Jamaica, said. “Seeing fellow Jamaicans struggle and being able to bring a small smile to their faces through these packages felt incredibly heartwarming.”
Image source: Netball Jamaica
Training disruption and a different prep path
Last year, Jamaica defeated England to win Horizon Series 2-1. This year’s schedule began in Jamaica with two opening matches in December, but England Netball and Netball Jamaica postponed them due to the hurricane.
The two teams will still square off in a two-match series at the Copper Box Arena in London, with Jamaica ranked third in the world and England fourth.
Preparation, however, has looked strikingly different.
“We weren’t able to train for two weeks,” Beckford said. “There was no electricity, no signal, and no lights on court.”
Sutherland added, “Coaches sent us exercises to do at home, but some players couldn’t access them. We did what we could.”
Image source: Getty Images
A result that carries broader significance
England Netball has pledged £1 from every Horizon Series ticket to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen, and fans can also contribute to the British Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Despite the difficult circumstances, England captain Francesca Williams said the team would stay true to their approach.
“We’re not holding back,” she told BBC Sport. “You always aim to perform your best and help the team win. Respect is shown by competing at your highest level.”
The matches are framed as more than mere scores, but the Jamaican side will compete with the same intensity as they would under normal conditions, Williams insisted.
For Jamaica, the games are also a chance to lift spirits back home.
Sutherland noted that Jamaicans are tuning in with excitement, turning on alarms and donning the black, green, and gold to watch the broadcasts.
She hopes their grandfather can view the game if power is restored in his area in time.
“He’s thrilled that I’m touring,” she said. “He asks how he can watch. It means a lot to him.” He proudly tells everyone, ‘My granddaughter is a Sunshine Girl!’
