Smith's house suffered a fate similar to this

LS: Ivan the Terrible just about took everything away from me. I was really shocked. Having taken the roof off the house, it simply seems to have taken everything within the house as well with it - in short it just took everything with it.

KR: How did you weather the storm with the roof off? What did you do?

LS: I kept wondering what to do, but I've always heard people say that you should get between the beam of the door, so I got between the beam of the door and I held on for dear life. The wind was so heavy hitting me, but I managed to get some strength thanks to a particular drink I normally consume, I think that helped (laughs).

I thought it was the end of the world. I was just really scared. Lew Smith

But I kept wondering what to do, then I was able to get out and I went to the neighbour’s house where I was knocking and tried to call but I didn't get any answer, only to realise their roof had gone off as well.

I spent about five minutes moving in an area about five feet, forward and backward in between two houses wondering what to do, the neighbour on the other side called me and told me to be careful because I live in a valley and galvanise was flying all over. Eventually I got over to their place and I remember the first thing I asked for was a drink of brandy.

KR: Were you alone at the house?

LS: Yes I was alone.

KR: How would you describe the experience?

LS: Terrifying. I thought it was the end of the world. I was just really scared. I got cut on my right foot but never realised until late, late afterwards when everything had simmered down.

KR: How bad was the cut?

LS: Not bad.

KR: Lew, you're busy at the radio station trying to get communications going yet you’ve lost everything. How are you coping?

LS: I am thankful to my colleagues in Trinidad who were very generous indeed and also to some colleagues in St Lucia who assisted me tremendously and I am very grateful - other than that, we're in a situation, and we've got to make it.

KR: Where are you living?

LS: At the moment, I am at the radio station. This is home for the time being.