As part of its ongoing humanitarian response to Hurricane Melissa, CIBC Caribbean‘s ComTrust Foundation has provided US$150,000 to deploy a Type 2 Emergency Field Hospital to the Savanna-la-Mar Regional Hospital in Westmoreland. 

The initiative will deliver critical medical support to thousands of Jamaicans affected by the storm’s severe impact.

CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation is the regional bank’s charitable arm and is funded by a portion of the bank’s annual profits. CIBC Caribbean’s contribution ensures that the mobile field hospital unit is operating as a fully self-sustaining medical facility, equipped to treat urgent injuries and stabilise patients, in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

Head of Country, CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, Annique Dawkins, said the bank remains committed to supporting communities during moments of national challenge.  “This field hospital will bring immediate medical relief to families in Westmoreland who are facing immense hardship after Hurricane Melissa. CIBC Caribbean is committed to supporting Jamaica’s recovery and ensuring that communities receive the essential care they deserve,” she said.

The facility, which is owned and operated by the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), is staffed by BDF personnel and trained medical personnel supported by volunteer doctors, nurses, and technicians from across the region who have mobilised to assist Jamaica in its recovery efforts. This deployment marks a significant moment in regional disaster response capacity, demonstrating the strength of Caribbean cooperation in times of crisis.

Lt. Col David Clarke of the Barbados Defence Force commended the partnership and emphasised the urgent need for expanded medical capacity in Westmoreland.  “This deployment could not come at a more critical time. The field hospital will significantly strengthen the medical response in Westmoreland, where the demand for urgent care has surpassed the capacity of existing facilities. We are grateful for CIBC Caribbean’s leadership and partnership, which ensures that our teams can deliver timely, effective support to the people who need it most,” he said.

Monique French, Chief Risk Officer (CRO), CIBC Caribbean, also highlighted the importance of rapid health-system reinforcement following a disaster of this scale.  “Strengthening emergency response capacity is essential to the quality of life of the affected persons and supporting overwhelmed health systems. CIBC Caribbean is pleased to be able to assist frontline teams have the resources and infrastructure necessary to deliver critical care to affected communities,” she said.

The BDF Type 2 Field Hospital is designed to function independently and will provide trauma care, emergency surgeries, paediatric support, maternal health services, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical distribution—key interventions at a time when permanent facilities are strained.

This deployment forms part of CIBC’s broader humanitarian support package directed toward national recovery efforts, including relief supplies, employee assistance, community support, and targeted financial relief for affected clients. 

CIBC Caribbean Jamaica affirms its continued commitment to supporting long-term rebuilding and community resilience.