In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar spearheaded the nation’s humanitarian efforts to aid Jamaica. On the first day of Jamaica’s recovery, Persad-Bissessar visited the Plipdeco Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate to oversee the preparation of the first shipment of relief supplies. The shipment included essential items such as rice, flour, canned goods, baby formula, medical kits, generators, and blankets, identified in collaboration with the Jamaican government and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
During her visit, Persad-Bissessar toured the warehouse and observed the loading of containers onto the MV Seaboard Ranger. She emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s long-standing tradition of assisting regional neighbors in times of crisis, noting her personal connection to Jamaica, where she lived and worked for 14 years. “Jamaica is and always will be my second home,” she stated, highlighting the resilience and passion of its people.
Persad-Bissessar also convened an Inter-Ministerial Emergency Response Team to coordinate national efforts, involving multiple ministries and supported by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. She expressed gratitude to the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) for their assistance in organizing relief efforts.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Khadijah Ameen called on the public to contribute to the relief initiative, with collection points established across the country. Corporate entities and businesses operating in Jamaica have also joined the effort, with financial contributions and supplies being mobilized.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness assessed the damage, noting significant flooding and infrastructure issues but praised the resilience of the Jamaican people. Both Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport have resumed operations, aiding recovery efforts.
The United States Southern Command (Southcom) has also been enlisted to assist with logistics, including the transportation of personnel and heavy equipment to Jamaica.