In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, the United States Southern Command (Southcom) has emerged as a key player in facilitating relief efforts from Trinidad and Tobago. The devastating storm prompted a swift response, with relief supplies and personnel being mobilized from various sources. During a post-cabinet meeting at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on October 30, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sean Sobers, highlighted Southcom’s involvement in the relief operations. Sobers stated, ‘We have liaised with Southcom to assist in transporting personnel and heavy equipment, such as generators and water tanks, to Jamaica.’ This announcement followed the Prime Minister’s oversight of the initial shipment of relief items to the hurricane-ravaged island. Southcom, a branch of the US military tasked with executing President Donald Trump’s anti-narco trafficking initiatives in the region, has been active in the Caribbean. In August, the US deployed three Aegis guided-missile destroyers off Venezuela as part of its efforts to combat drug cartels. The USS Gravely, one of these vessels, recently concluded a five-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago, though its role in the relief efforts remains unclear. The ship reportedly conducted training exercises with the local Defence Force during its stay. Southcom’s presence in the region has led to 14 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, resulting in 61 fatalities.
Southcom to lend assistance in providing hurricane relief to Jamaica
