Three months after Premier André Ebanks pledged US$1.2 million in aid to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, the Cayman Islands government has confirmed that the total sum has now been allocated to its Caribbean neighbour.
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, government promised financial assistance to support Jamaica’s recovery following the category 5 hurricane that hit the island on 28 Oct. with sustained wind speeds of up to 185 miles an hour, killing 32 people and causing devastation to parts of the island.
Once the all-clear was sounded, a shipment of emergency relief supplies valued at nearly US$200,000 was delivered by a delegation led by the premier on 30 Oct. in the first relief flight to land in Jamaica.
Recovery efforts
The remaining US$1 million has now been delivered, government said in a statement, and has been allocated across three key areas: a community voucher programme, education recovery and an agricultural restoration programme. The assistance will support recovery efforts in the country’s western region, which was the area most severely affected.
For the community voucher programme, US$333,000 will provide residents with vouchers for purchasing building materials for home repairs, while also stimulating economic activity in impacted communities. Education recovery also will receive US$333,000, to assist with rebuilding schools and procuring essential educational supplies including textbooks, chalkboards, tools, and other equipment.
An additional US$334,000 will go toward the agricultural restoration programme to support farmers in recovering lost crops and livestock, enabling them to resume operations and restore economic stability.
Premier Ebanks said disbursing the remainder of the pledged funds underscores Cayman’s enduring partnership with Jamaica’s government and people.
“The Cayman Islands continues to stand firmly with Jamaica during this critical period of recovery. Our contribution reflects our shared Caribbean bonds and our belief in Jamaica’s resilience. As recovery continues, we remain committed to offering meaningful support that helps communities recover, livelihoods restart and families look to the future with renewed hope,” he said.
“We recall the profound impact Hurricane Ivan had on our own islands, and we remain grateful for the compassion Jamaica extended to us during that difficult time,” he added.
“That shared history affirms our responsibility to one another as neighbours and as brothers’ keepers, as well as our faith that through unity and perseverance, we can all recover and be restored,” said Ebanks.
Long-term support
Government also reiterated its commitment to supporting regional neighbours in times of need with continuing efforts to promote resilience, recovery and long-term stability across the region.
In addition to assistance from government, organisations across the Cayman Islands rallied around to help the country recover from the hurricane’s impact. Funds and services were donated by schools, churches and businesses across all sectors including health, transport, insurance and finance.
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Govt is to be applauded along with the private sector for their financial and other forms of aid to our neighbour country after the western sector was devastated by Hurricane Melissa. It could so easily have been us.