Cayman Islands deploys troops to Jamaica for hurricane recovery mission

The Cayman Islands Regiment has deployed an eight-person contingent to Jamaica as part of a coordinated regional relief effort following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

The voluntary mission departed on Sunday, February 15, and will deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support to affected residents and the Jamaica Defence Force, according to a government press release issued on February 16.

Personnel from the Cayman Islands will join troops from the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, forming a joint United Kingdom Overseas Territories Regiment team.

The combined group will work alongside members of the Jamaica Defence Force to assist stabilisation efforts in the hardest-hit communities. In partnership with the Guyana Defence Force, the troops will focus on repairing damaged roofs in the parish of St Elizabeth.

Major Graham Muir, training and operations officer, said the unit’s thoughts remain with the people of Jamaica during the recovery period.

“The Cayman Islands Regiment exists to deliver a rapid, disciplined response to emergencies – whether at home or across the region,” he added.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners across the British overseas territories and the Jamaica Defence Force as recovery efforts progress and communities rebuild.”

The deployment marks the first overseas operational mission for the Cayman Islands Regiment.

It follows the unit’s recent support during the December avian flu response, along with extensive training exercises conducted in Grand Cayman and Trinidad and Tobago.

Officials said the mission provides an important opportunity for troops to apply the specialist skills developed over the past year in a live operational environment.