The United States has swiftly mobilized disaster relief teams to assist Caribbean nations grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that rescue and response teams, along with essential lifesaving supplies, are en route to affected areas. The US is coordinating closely with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas to address the widespread devastation caused by the hurricane. Notably, Rubio, a vocal critic of Cuba’s communist regime, did not mention any engagement with Havana. A State Department official revealed that dozens of US personnel, including teams from Los Angeles, Fairfax, Virginia, and a regional hub in Costa Rica, will be deployed to assist in rescue operations and damage assessment. This move follows the Trump administration’s earlier decision to significantly reduce US international aid by dismantling the US Agency for International Development. Despite skepticism about long-term assistance, both Rubio and former President Trump have emphasized the importance of targeted and immediate aid during crises. However, the ongoing US government shutdown has reportedly complicated relief efforts, though emergency workers have been granted expedited authorization to proceed.