Jamaica has received another shipment of supplies from Guyana, including material to replace 200 roofs in Westmoreland, which was among the parishes most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The items were handed over to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, at a warehouse on Marcus Garvey Road in Kingston on Tuesday.

They include zinc, lumber and tools, along with additional relief supplies such as mattresses, pillows, and water tanks. Teams from the Guyana Defence Force have been deployed to assist with construction, engineering and logistics.   

Minister Johnson Smith expressed gratitude to Guyana for the contribution, noting that it represents the fulfilment of a promise made by the country’s President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, when he visited Jamaica in November to get a first-hand look at the devastation caused by the hurricane.

 “I cannot say how much we appreciate your presence and your commitment to making every effort to restore some normalcy, peace, comfort and stability for those affected by Hurricane Melissa. It is a great expression of solidarity, which you will undertake here on the ground in Jamaica,” she told the members of the Guyana Defence Force, who were on hand.

“We are grateful. These supplies, this manpower, this solidarity will offer communities not only essential resources but a renewed sense of hope as lives and livelihoods are restored through your efforts…My heart is full because a promise has been made and it has been followed through,” she added.

Senator Johnson Smith recalled the Guyanese President’s visit shortly after the hurricane’s passage.

“President Ali had the opportunity to witness first-hand the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in the west of this island. Hurricane Melissa, we recognise, is the strongest hurricane to have ever made landfall here in Jamaica, and one of the strongest hurricanes ever to have formed in the Atlantic,” she said.

Colonel General Staff, Guyana Defence Force, Captain (Coast Guard), Vernon Burnette, who handed over the supplies, said the soldiers welcomed the opportunity to support Jamaicans impacted by the hurricane.

“The destruction left by Hurricane Melissa in her wake is still evident but it has also brought out the best in the Jamaican people…This is why we are a community, because in times like these, the community pulls strength from each other, draws strength from each other and supports each other,” he noted.

“We, along with other fellow CARICOM brothers and sisters, intend to ease the suffering that was brought about by Hurricane Melissa. In collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, we will do everything that we can do to bring relief as quickly as possible,” he added.

Colonel Burnette said that the soldiers will remain in the country until the 200 roofs are completed.

“The soldiers are overjoyed and happy to be here to spend Christmas in Jamaica helping and trying to put smiles on some residents’ faces in Whitehouse and other areas in Westmoreland,” he said.

The items represent the second shipment of supplies from Guyana, following the arrival of critical relief items, including tarpaulins, generators and chainsaws, on November 7.