In a significant demonstration of solidarity, the European Union (EU) has pledged an additional €1.25 million in humanitarian aid to support recovery efforts in Jamaica and the Caribbean region following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made by Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica on Sunday. This funding will bolster the Red Cross’ disaster relief operations in both Jamaica and Cuba, with a focus on combating virus outbreaks in hurricane-affected areas. The new pledge complements the €5 million in emergency funding already mobilized by the EU, with €2 million allocated to Jamaica and the remainder distributed between Cuba and Haiti, both severely impacted by the Category 5 storm. The aid package includes essential supplies such as clean water, sanitation kits, shelter materials, emergency equipment, and protective gear. Additionally, a fully equipped medical team and a field hospital have been established in Falmouth, Jamaica, to assess damage and guide recovery efforts. Commissioner Lahbib highlighted the EU’s use of the Copernicus satellite system to generate detailed maps identifying the worst-hit areas. She praised the Jamaican government’s resilience and leadership in coordinating relief efforts and acknowledged the swift support from six EU member states—France, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. ‘This is European solidarity at its best—friends standing together when it matters most,’ Lahbib stated. As recovery transitions from emergency relief to rebuilding, she reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to the Caribbean, emphasizing that no disaster could break the bond between the EU and the region.