KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a concerted effort to aid agricultural recovery, several Jamaican state ministers visited Douglas Castle in St Ann to provide relief to farmers impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative, led by Zavia Mayne, Member of Parliament for St Ann South Western, saw the distribution of fertiliser and seedlings to help restore crops and livelihoods. Mayne was joined by Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace.
Mayne highlighted the severe devastation faced by farmers and stressed the urgent need for targeted support to revive farming districts, which are vital to rural and national development. Terrelonge echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of safeguarding Jamaica’s food security amidst global supply chain uncertainties. He noted that supporting farmers is crucial for maintaining a stable source of locally produced food and building long-term resilience.
Cuthbert-Flynn praised the collaborative efforts of government ministries and agencies in addressing the challenges faced by rural communities. She called for more initiatives to bolster local recovery efforts and ensure consistent support for affected constituencies.
This relief effort is part of the Holness administration’s broader agricultural recovery and resilience programme, designed to restore productivity, strengthen food security, and support communities hardest hit by recent weather events.