In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has initiated an emergency deployment of Starlink satellite internet units to restore critical communication and financial services, particularly in the hardest-hit western regions. Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz announced over the weekend that 600 Starlink units are en route to the island, complementing other charitable contributions to ensure prioritized distribution. The primary focus is on reviving the financial sector, enabling ATMs to function, and ensuring residents can access cash for essential needs such as fuel and food. Vaz emphasized the urgency of this effort, stating that without operational ATMs, daily life grinds to a halt. The Starlink units will also be allocated to police stations, government ministries, and agencies involved in relief operations, leveraging the expertise of Starlink’s disaster response team to identify and prioritize critical services. Additionally, the medical relief organization Medic Corps is utilizing Starlink technology to restore communication at damaged hospitals, further supporting recovery efforts. Vaz underscored the importance of this technological intervention to alleviate the suffering of affected communities and rebuild essential infrastructure.