In a historic demonstration of Caribbean solidarity, Barbados has initiated a humanitarian mission to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) announced the deployment of a field medical hospital, marking the first time the World Health Organisation-accredited Emergency Medical Team has been mobilized internationally following a severe weather event. The mission, dubbed ‘Operation Helping Hands,’ was approved by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and involves military personnel and medical volunteers providing emergency healthcare in Jamaica’s hardest-hit western region, particularly around Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital. The deployment, which begins next Tuesday, will last one month and include two rotations of approximately 70 personnel each, totaling around 140 to 150 participants. The BDF’s Type 2 field hospital requires 70 medical and logistical staff to operate, with 48 already mobilized and the remaining 22 expected to be filled through regional support from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Jamaica Defence Force. Medical Liaison Officer Major David Clarke highlighted the coordination with regional health ministries and organizations, while acknowledging logistical challenges, including the need for special licences for medical supplies. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arthur Phillips assured that essential health services in Barbados would remain unaffected. The mission underscores the importance of regional logistics and volunteerism, with Brigadier Carlos Lovell emphasizing the need for greater medical professional participation. CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank has also contributed $1 million to the relief effort, with half allocated to support the field hospital initiative.