Rosachely Rivera Santana, Secretary of State of Puerto Rico, is in Jamaica on a humanitarian visit following a donation of 14 containers of emergency relief supplies to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa.

The humanitarian assistance was facilitated through Food For The Poor Jamaica, which has been coordinating emergency relief, recovery, and rebuilding initiatives in communities most affected by the hurricane. This includes relief work in Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, Manchester, Trelawny, St Ann and St Thomas.

As part of her visit, Secretary Rivera Santana participated in a humanitarian outreach in Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth, where she met with beneficiaries and observed the distribution of relief supplies to families impacted by the storm. She also toured Food For The Poor Jamaica’s headquarters to gain insight into the organisation’s disaster response operations and long-term recovery work. 

The 14 donated containers included essential food items, hygiene supplies, household goods, and other critical materials aimed at providing immediate relief and restoring dignity to vulnerable families displaced or affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking during the visit, Secretary Rivera Santana said: “Puerto Rico understands the pain and disruption that natural disasters bring, because we too have faced similar challenges. This humanitarian donation represents our solidarity with the people of Jamaica and our commitment to standing together as Caribbean neighbours in times of need. We are honoured to partner with Food For The Poor Jamaica in ensuring these supplies reach families who need them most.”

Marsha Rose, Marketing, PR and Mission Manager at Food For The Poor Jamaica, welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the visit further strengthens regional partnerships rooted in compassion, cooperation, and shared resilience.

The humanitarian visit underscores the importance of Caribbean collaboration and mutual support in responding to natural disasters and building long-term resilience across the region.

Food For The Poor Jamaica continues to work alongside local and international partners to deliver emergency assistance, rebuild homes, and support sustainable recovery efforts islandwide following Hurricane Melissa.