KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant demonstration of South-South cooperation, the Jamaican government welcomed a high-level Ethiopian delegation on Thursday to formalize international support for hurricane recovery initiatives. The delegation, spearheaded by State Minister His Excellency Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, arrived to assess damage and identify specific areas where Ethiopian expertise and resources could assist Jamaica’s rehabilitation efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
The delegation was formally received at Jamaica House by Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. The meeting included key figures such as Permanent Secretary Ambassador Rocky Meade and Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), highlighting the strategic importance of the bilateral engagement.
Senator Fitz-Henley publicly acknowledged the diplomatic gesture through social media, commending Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his proactive approach in offering support. He emphasized the deep historical connections between the two nations, noting shared ancestry and cultural heritage as foundations for a strengthened partnership. Fitz-Henley expressed confidence that this collaboration would intensify significantly in the coming weeks, months, and years.
As part of their fact-finding mission, Ambassador Tsegaye was scheduled to conduct firsthand assessments in the severely affected parishes of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. This ground-level evaluation aims to align Ethiopia’s assistance with Jamaica’s most pressing post-disaster needs, ensuring targeted and effective international disaster relief cooperation.