CDC says teams on standby for J’ca deployment

– generators, tarpaulins & chainsaws among critical relief supplies mobilised after Hurricane Melissa

As Jamaica grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Guyana is currently mobilising humanitarian relief support for the island nation, including critically needed supplies such as generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws, to support immediate response efforts on the ground.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, with winds up to 185 mph, causing significant destruction to properties and infrastructure, widespread disruption of essential services, and displacement of communities across affected areas.
On Wednesday, Jamaican authorities reported severe flooding in the western part of the country and four deaths.
Over the last few days, the Guyana Government, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has been initiating humanitarian relief support coordination for the devastated Caribbean Island.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is currently performing the functions of President, recently convened a high-level coordination meeting with the CDC, the Guyana Defence Force and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to finalise Guyana’s support actions following the hurricane’s impact.
According to the CDC in a statement on Thursday, “The Prime Minister has indicated that the immediate and initial response will include the mobilisation and deployment of critical relief supplies, including generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws, to support immediate response efforts in Jamaica.”
This support is being executed through a collaborative Government-Private Sector initiative under the coordination of the CDC and the leadership of the Prime Minister.
Following Wednesday’s coordination engagement, PM Phillips told the Guyana Times that Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has put out a document outlining the immediate needs of the country, and it is based on that list, which is being regularly updated, that the local stakeholders are mobilising relief.
“So, a number of things are happening in terms of coordinating assistance to Jamaica… We want to arrive at the requirements based on the identification of needs by the Jamaican Emergency Management Agency, and that would guide us to whatever interventions [are needed]. But we are ready to assist,” Phillips declared.
Moreover, the CDC said on Thursday that it is continuously working closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and other regional partners to support ongoing relief efforts.
Director General of the CDC, Colonel (Retired) Nazrul Hussain, confirmed that Guyana stands ready to provide additional technical, logistical, and humanitarian assistance as recovery needs evolve. Key teams, including the Guyana-CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (G-CDRU) and the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST), are currently on standby for deployment to assist with response and recovery efforts on the ground.

Private Sector efforts
Additionally, the Private Sector Commission is calling on the generosity of the public and the Private Sector to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
“Your contribution can make a real difference in helping families rebuild and recover. Your financial contribution will directly support the purchase and delivery of essential supplies for affected families,” the statement detailed.
Persons interested in making a monetary donation toward Humanitarian Relief Support for Jamaica can do so via cash or cheque made payable to the Private Sector Commission or contact +592-614-4625 for assistance.
For bank/wire transfers, persons can make donations to the account of the Private Sector Commission at Demerara Bank Limited using Account Number 4023420.
“The CDC, in partnership with the Private Sector, with the support of the office of the Prime Minister, reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering solidarity with Jamaica during this challenging period,” Thursday’s missive detailed.

President Ali reassures Jamaican Govt
Only Tuesday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is currently overseas on official Government business, reassured Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Guyana’s readiness to offer support.
In a social media post in the wee hours of Wednesday, the Guyanese Head of State said, “This evening, I spoke with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and reaffirmed Guyana’s full readiness to support the Government and people of Jamaica as they confront the impacts of Hurricane Melissa. I assured the Prime Minister that the Government and people of Guyana stand in solidarity with Jamaica and that our love, prayers, and every form of support remain with them during this difficult time.”
Since Sunday, the Guyana Government has pledged its support for the Caribbean Island nation as it braced for impact from the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the country.

Hurricane’s impact in the Caribbean
After battering Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa left the island and made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday morning as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 storm, where over three million persons were exposed to life-threatening conditions and some 745,000 persons had to be evacuated. By 11:00h, the hurricane had moved off of Cuba as a Category 2 storm and was in the Atlantic Ocean.
Nearly 240 communities have been cut off due to severe flooding and landslides, as Cuba faces destruction to health facilities, schools, power lines, and telecommunications.
Additionally, Hurricane Melissa caused deadly flooding in parts of Haiti, with some 24 deaths reported. Based on international reports, around 15,000 persons were placed in over 120 shelters, with significant losses to the agricultural sector further compounding the country’s humanitarian crisis that has worsened as a result of widespread gang violence across Haiti.
Nevertheless, as Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti assess the damage left in Melissa’s wake, Bermuda is bracing for impact.
As a Category 2 hurricane, the storm was expected to reach the British overseas territory Thursday night and pass over through the early hours of Friday morning.