In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean nations and international organizations have rallied to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, alongside a delegation of Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders and international agencies, visited the severely affected Whitehouse area in Westmoreland Eastern to assess the damage firsthand. The delegation, accompanied by government ministers, witnessed the extensive destruction caused by the Category 5 storm and discussed immediate relief measures. President Ali announced a major initiative to repair 200 roofs in the Whitehouse community, mobilizing resources and manpower from Guyana. He emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, stating, ‘The Caribbean is one region and people.’
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley highlighted the deployment of a medical contingent from the Barbados Defence Force to establish a field hospital at Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne noted the assistance of linemen from his country to aid Jamaica’s electricity restoration efforts. Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and other Caribbean leaders also pledged their unwavering support.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness provided a grim assessment of the storm’s impact, estimating that 150,000 homes were destroyed, 900,000 Jamaicans were affected, and physical damages amounted to at least US$8 million. He stressed the financial challenges Jamaica faces, particularly as the country struggles with rising debt levels. However, Holness expressed optimism about rebuilding stronger and more resilient infrastructure, emphasizing the government’s commitment to efficient and accountable spending.
Additional support includes the imminent arrival of building materials and small modular homes, with priority given to Westmoreland Eastern and adjoining constituencies. The cleanup of debris, particularly in the Bluefields to Whitehouse corridor, is also a top priority. CAF Development Bank of Latin America’s Caribbean representative, Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, confirmed the availability of significant humanitarian grants and technical support, with nearly US$1 million already earmarked for Jamaica’s recovery.