The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has signalled its intent to deploy a technical team of engineers to support Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The offer follows recent bilateral talks between Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge and Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhanu Tsegaye Abera. The two met earlier this month at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kingston, where Minister Terrelonge outlined the widespread impact of the hurricane, including damage to infrastructure, economic shocks, disruptions to livelihoods, healthcare delivery and food security.

Minister Terrelonge welcomed Ethiopia’s support, noting that the planned deployment is a timely expression of solidarity and a clear indication of Ethiopia’s commitment to its partnership with Jamaica.

“Ethiopia’s intention to deploy a team of engineers to support Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts is a much-welcomed offer as we aim to rebuild better, stronger and more resilient, with the support of our bilateral partners,” he said.

He also underscored that climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, placing added pressure on Jamaica and other Small Island Developing States. He added that while Jamaica continues to push for climate-resilient policies and improved access to climate financing, Hurricane Melissa has reaffirmed the need for stronger adaptation measures, disaster-risk frameworks and loss-and-damage arrangements.

As part of a guided assessment tour coordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Ethiopian delegation, which included senior technical officials from the country’s housing, engineering and road agencies, visited affected areas in St Elizabeth, including Black River, where they met Mayor and Chairman of the Municipal Corporation Councillor Richard Solomon. The team also toured the Black River Hospital before travelling to Westmoreland to observe other health facilities and visit the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Savanna-la-Mar.

Findings from the tour will inform Ethiopia’s decision on the nature of support it may provide to Jamaica’s recovery efforts, particularly the rehabilitation of the Black River Hospital and the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital.