Jamaica Receives Relief Supplies from Japan

Jamaica has received relief supplies and several machines to purify water from the Government of Japan, to aid the recovery effort after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

The supplies arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), on Wednesday (November 5), with Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, and Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, on hand to receive them.

Minister McKenzie said the country is grateful to the Japanese Government for the items.

“Our sincere gratitude to you (Ambassador) and the Japanese Government for the continuous support that you have been giving to this country over many years. In the field of disaster, a couple of years ago, we signed one of the best arrangements ever,” the Minister said.

He explained that the signed agreements established a project that involved developing a national emergency communication system, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) providing equipment and technical assistance to improve coordination during emergencies.

The Minister said this has “strengthened our communication system right across Jamaica”.

“I want to say to you, Ambassador, that during the passage of the hurricane, we were able to communicate in a very effective way,” Mr. McKenzie noted.

For his part, Mr. Atsumi said the latest relief support underscores the “unwavering commitment of the Government of Japan to support its Jamaican friends in times of need, taking into consideration the humanitarian perspective and the traditional friendship between Japan and Jamaica”.

“The supplies today include 1,400 sleeping bags, 350 tents, 350 portable jelly cans and 20 water purifiers to support the communities and people that have been most affected by Hurricane Melissa,” the Ambassador said.

He noted that his country stands in “full solidarity” with Jamaica, and that their support is not just in times of disaster but as enduring friends and partners in resilience and recovery to swiftly restore livelihoods, rebuild infrastructure and support affected communities.

“Together we can rebuild and restore hope in the treasured island of Jamaica, a land we love,” the Ambassador said.