Anthony Henry/Contributor

The British High Commission and the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) have intensified their collaboration to strengthen disaster communication across the region, rolling out new Emergency Media Kits to journalists and the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

The initiative comes as the Caribbean continues to assess the extensive communication failures triggered by the October 2025 storm, which left more than 120,000 households without power and caused major breakdowns in broadcast and digital infrastructure. With communities forced to rely heavily on local radio and social media for updates, the hurricane underscored the need for media continuity and preparedness during emergencies.

“This equipment will help connect journalists and communities when they need trusted information the most,” said Kiran Maharaj, president of MIC. “Hurricane Melissa reminded us that resilience begins with preparation. This initiative ensures local voices can continue telling the stories that guide not just survival, but the rebuilding and renewal that follow.”

Veteran journalist Melville Harris, one of the beneficiaries and a resident of hard-hit St. Elizabeth, welcomed the support. “The contribution of these pieces of equipment will enhance the work that I do throughout the parish of St. Elizabeth, especially in the western end of the island which has suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Melissa,” he said.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert said the UK remains committed to supporting long-term regional resilience.

“The UK stands with Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean in building resilience, not just in infrastructure, but in institutions. A strong independent press ensures people have access to facts, guidance, and stories of hope when they matter most. This partnership with MIC is about enabling that continuity.”

Each emergency media kit includes ENG cameras, portable audio recorders, microphones, LED lights, laptops, hard drives, memory cards, and tripods; tools aimed at ensuring independent newsrooms can remain operational even when core systems fail.