Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith says reports from both the Jamaican Embassy in Havana and the Consulate General in Miami, indicate that, thus far, there are no casualties within the Jamaican community from the passage of Hurricane Ian

Senator Johnson Smith provided the update during Friday’s (September 30) sitting of the Upper House.

“We really give thanks, especially as one of our students is located in the Pinar del Río region of Cuba, which was hardest hit, but she is well and is in good spirits. We are, however, remaining vigilant in light of the accounts we have received regarding damage to property and infrastructure, which impacts water and electricity,” she said.

Senator Johnson Smith noted that in Florida, the Jamaican Consulate has been in contact with several Jamaicans across the state, with assistance from community groups and leaders, including members of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council.

“They have explained that the majority of Jamaicans are generally located in the counties that are not in the areas worst hit. So again, we are appreciative while being sensitive to the challenges experienced by the wider citizenry impacted. We have and will continue to reach out to all Jamaicans, including students, farm workers, seasonal hotel workers and the elderly,” Johnson Smith told the Senate.

“We continue to closely monitor the well-being of Jamaican nationals across the Eastern Seaboard and encourage them to continue to stay tuned to official news channels and emergency operations and guidance on evacuation, shelters and access to rescue and response,” she added.

International media reports cite three official deaths in Cuba’s Pinar del Río and 45 casualties in Florida, both of which were ravaged by Ian at hurricane intensity. For her part, Johnson Smith said that the Government of Jamaica stands in solidarity with the people and Governments of Cuba and the United States.

She also extended condolences at the loss of lives in both countries and expressed the hope of a speedy recovery.

According to Johnson Smith, discussions are under way with representatives from Cuba on ways in
which the Government may assist in the recovery process.

“As these become [clearer] we will, as we have always before, look at how best we are able to assist or brothers and sisters there,” she said.

She indicated that only recently, the HMJS Nanny of the Maroons took J$20 million worth of medical supplies and support from Jamaica to the port of Santiago for donation to the people of Cuba.

Senator Johnson Smith said the Government of Jamaica continues to pray for the safety of everyone in the path of Ian and those who the storm has impacted.

Senator Peter Bunting, in his message of support as leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, joined the Government in extending sympathies and condolences in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

“We urge and support the Government in extending that hand of friendship in providing whatever assistance we can,” he said.