Brazil Donates Humanitarian Supplies to Support Post-Hurricane Melissa Recovery

Jamaica has received a donation of humanitarian supplies from the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil to support ongoing post-Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery efforts.

The handover ceremony was held on Tuesday (January 13) at the Ministry’s Port Royal Street offices in downtown Kingston.

The donation comprises 20 portable, solar-powered water purifiers capable of operating off-grid, approximately three tonnes of dehydrated food, and medical and emergency response kits.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Brazil for their solidarity and timely support.

She noted that the donation followed commitments made during discussions between Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on the margins of the G20.

She noted that the solar-powered water purifiers are especially critical in areas where electricity has not yet been restored.

“Where electricity is down, there is no water because the water systems rely on electricity…, having solar-powered purifiers reflects an understanding, sensitivity and pragmatism, which is sincerely appreciated,” she pointed out.
Minister Johnson Smith underscored that the donation reflects the strong and long-standing relationship between Jamaica and Brazil, adding that Brazil will remain an important partner as Jamaica continues to recover and rebuild stronger in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

For his part, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Minister Eric Sogocio, said the donation was facilitated through coordination between the Brazilian Cooperation Agency and Brazil’s Ministry of Health, under Brazil’s humanitarian cooperation framework.

He commended the Jamaican Government’s response to the disaster, describing it as a testament to effective institutional coordination and the resilience of the Jamaican people.

Senior Director for Mitigation, Planning and Research, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Michelle Edwards, welcomed the donation on behalf of affected families and communities, noting that it will provide tangible relief as national efforts continue to focus on assisting the most vulnerable.

“This assistance will play an important role in supporting affected families and advancing rehabilitation and recovery efforts,” she said.

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