President Ali: GDF and CDC ready to support Jamaica

Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali said the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) are fully prepared to support Jamaica as the country braces for Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement on Sunday, President Ali said his Government stands in solidarity with Jamaica and with Guyanese, including students, living on the island.

“I’ve sent off a letter to the Government of Jamaica telling them that the Guyana Defence Force and the CDC are fully mobilised and stand ready to support every effort in this situation. I want to ask all of you to remain safe, remain calm, support each other, and know that we are putting a full mechanism in place,” President Ali said.

He also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been directed to work with the private sector and other stakeholders to coordinate assistance for students and vulnerable families in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa, a category four system, is expected to make landfall between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The storm, which strengthened overnight, is already producing flooding across parts of Jamaica.

The President said Guyana remains committed to regional cooperation and will provide support wherever possible through established emergency channels.