US pledges long-term support to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa

The United States Government has pledged sustained support to Jamaica as the country undertakes recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

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Under Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, Jeremy Lewin, detailed the assistance already provided, including deployment of a disaster response team and specialized search and rescue units that have reached hard-to-access areas. Additional support has been delivered through the World Food Programme and Samaritan’s Purse International Relief in partnership with local organizations.

“We also brought in significant military Department of War assets… so we were able to bring in heavy-lift helicopters. So far, and counting, the helicopters have delivered more than half a million pounds of lifesaving assistance,” Mr. Lewin said during a tour of the Emergency Field Hospital at Black River High School in St. Elizabeth on Monday (November 10).

He reaffirmed the US commitment to Jamaica, stating that support will continue “not just for the first week, not just for the first day but for the months to come as well.” He also offered condolences to those who lost loved ones in the hurricane and encouraged communities affected by the devastation.

Earlier on Monday, Mr. Lewin announced that the United States has pledged an additional US$10 million to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts, bringing the total U.S. contribution to US$22 million.

Accompanying Mr. Lewin on the tour were Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green. Both ministers expressed gratitude for the US partnership and emphasized the importance of ongoing support to reach isolated communities.

Relief efforts include the establishment of a field hospital, distribution of food packages via the World Food Programme and Food for the Poor, and installation of a water filtration station by Samaritan’s Purse, ensuring access to clean drinking water.

Minister Green highlighted that thousands of Jamaicans have been severely affected and noted that continued international and local collaboration will be essential for the nation’s rebuilding efforts.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but there is significant hope that with friends like the United States, we will get it done. On behalf of the people of Jamaica, we appreciate the support,” he said.