KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant demonstration of international solidarity, the Republic of Korea has pledged substantial support to Jamaica’s rehabilitation initiatives after the devastation wrought by Category-Five Hurricane Melissa. A ceremonial handover of a $300,000 financial contribution recently took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith formally received the aid from Korean Chargé d’Affaires Jin-wook Kim, characterizing the donation as both generous and impactful. Minister Johnson Smith emphasized that this contribution would directly enhance rebuilding operations while positively affecting numerous families throughout the most severely damaged regions.
Mr. Kim articulated that this humanitarian assistance reflects the profound and enduring friendship connecting South Korea and Jamaica. He characterized the monetary donation as a sincere effort to strengthen Jamaica’s disaster response capabilities following the catastrophic hurricane.
Beyond immediate financial support, additional relief measures are being coordinated through JTS (Join Together Society), an international non-governmental organization specializing in disaster response. In an unprecedented Caribbean engagement, JTS will deliver 200 tonnes of rice to Jamaica within coming weeks—allocating 40 tonnes to each of the five most affected parishes. The organization will further supplement this with a container shipment dedicated to baby and women’s essential products.
Mr. Kim expressed unwavering confidence in Jamaica’s resilience, stating: ‘Korea and Jamaica share a special bond that transcends these setbacks. I firmly believe Jamaica will emerge from this catastrophe stronger than ever before.’ This comprehensive assistance package represents a multifaceted approach to international disaster recovery, combining immediate financial aid with essential commodity support during Jamaica’s reconstruction phase.