By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
Regional leaders are rallying behind Jamaica as the country confronts widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa—one of the most powerful storms to strike the Caribbean this year.
President Irfaan Ali was among several CARICOM Heads of Government who traveled to Montego Bay and Westmoreland on Monday as part of a high-level Goodwill Mission to assess damage and mobilize coordinated regional assistance.
The mission visited some of the hardest-hit communities, where homes were flattened, infrastructure destroyed, and thousands displaced by torrential rainfall, catastrophic winds, and severe coastal flooding.
President Ali said the destruction witnessed was overwhelming, but praised the resilience and spirit of the Jamaican people.
He further announced that Guyana will mobilize manpower and materials immediately to support reconstruction efforts, beginning with complete roof replacements for at least 200 affected homes.
He assured that Guyana’s support will help Prime Minister Andrew Holness meet his goal of ensuring that families receive temporary or permanent shelter before Christmas.
The President also confirmed that a full team from the Guyana Defence Force will be deployed to Jamaica as part of the CARICOM relief operation.
The delegation included the Prime Ministers of Barbados, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda, as well as officials from CARICOM, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Development Bank of Latin America.
President Ali emphasized that the mission underscores the principle of regional solidarity: One Caribbean, One People—stating that in moments of crisis, the region stands stronger together.
The coordinated mission aims to channel regional and international support toward recovery, rebuilding, and long-term resilience for communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
