President of Guyana Outlines Assistance for Jamaica

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has outlined a comprehensive, rapid-response programme to assist Jamaica as the island recovers from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

Addressing reporters in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, on November 17, during a tour of hard-hit areas in western Jamaica by several CARICOM Heads, President Ali said that Guyana stands with Jamaica as part of a coordinated Caribbean effort to restore homes, livelihoods, and dignity in the wake of the disaster.

He noted that from the outset of the emergency, Guyana has been closely coordinating with Jamaica’s government, adding that his country was able to support the initial relief phase with essential equipment – generators, chainsaws, tarpaulins, and other critical supplies – to help stabilise communities immediately after the storm.

The President announced plans for a major weekend shipment of additional relief materials, including food products (including rice), tarpaulins, building materials, and black tanks, to bolster Jamaica’s capacity to shelter and house residents affected by the hurricane.

A central element of Guyana’s commitment is a swift, hands-on effort to repair and restore shelter.

In collaboration with Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and regional partners, President Ali outlined a targeted plan to “mobilise resources – manpower and materials – so that 200 roofs can be completely redone in the initial affected community.

This effort, he said, will be led on the Jamaican side by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the community’s parliamentary leadership, reinforcing that the operation will be a joint CARICOM mission.

President Ali emphasised the urgency of restoring shelter before the Christmas holidays. He described the timetable as a “very tight schedule” and expressed confidence that the regional partnership could meet the goal of ensuring that everyone has at least temporary shelter, whether through rebuilt roofs or tarps, in time for the festive season.

He added that the Guyana Defence Force would participate as a full member of the mission, reflecting the seriousness with which his country views this humanitarian obligation.

“This is a remarkable target, and we are going to try, as far as possible, to see how we can support that,” President Ali said, highlighting the collective strength of the Caribbean family.

“To the people of Jamaica, I bring to you the love of the people of Guyana,” President Ali said.

He underscored that Guyana’s support is part of a broader regional approach, affirming that “we are here as one team. That is a CARICOM team, and bringing our efforts together”.

President Ali commended the Jamaican people for their resilience in the face of the catastrophic damage.

“Words cannot describe the type of damage that was done here. To see the resilience of the people, the strength of the people and the character of the people tells a lot about the Jamaican spirit,” he said.

He also praised Prime Minister Holness and his Administration for their leadership, the outreach to communities, and the quick mobilisation of regional and international support.

The President closed by reaffirming a fundamental principle: “We are one Caribbean. We are one people. This is why we are a Community.”