LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Jamaican restaurant owner here in Middle Tennessee has family on the island.

He said that so far they're safe from any catastrophic damage, but he's still praying for their safety.

Jahzeel Gayle owns Cool Runnings Jamaican Cuisine in La Vergne, but right now his heart is with his loved ones dealing with Hurricane Melissa.

"My wife's brother is a police officer there, and he has to be out in it, so I want him to be safe and everybody else," Gayle said.

He said that so far, his family near Kingston is safe.

Gayle moved to the United States over two decades ago and then opened up his restaurant.

"Our friends always say we have good food at our house, and they said we needed to share it with the community," he said. "That's how Cool Runnings was born."

He said he travels back to Jamaica often, most recently for his friend's 50th birthday.

"Jamaica is — not just because I am from there — it is really my favorite vacation spot, and I've been all over the world," he said.

His thoughts are with everyone in Melissa's path, but he said the people in Jamaica are resilient.

"Where there is life, there is hope," he said. "Rebuild. That is the only thing you can do."

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/la-vergne-restaurant-owner-praying-for-family-in-jamaica/