Guyana on standby with humanitarian aid for Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa hits Category 5

– Jamaican PM urged citizens to brace for full impact

As Hurricane Melissa expected to sweep down on Jamaica late Monday or Tuesday, the Government of Guyana, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) expressed its full support for the Government and people of its sister CARICOM State.
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Centre and Central Pacific Hurricane Centre, Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds estimated at around 160 mph.
Forecast charts indicate that the storm is centred about 130 to 135 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica.
As such, with the imminent landfall Guyana reiterated that the CDC has been monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with regional partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), to coordinate any potential support efforts.
Further, the CDC confirmed that Guyana remains vigilant and is prepared to assist as needed, whether through technical, logistical, or relief supplies to aid in response and recovery efforts on the ground.
“The Government of Guyana, through its Embassy and Consular Missions, is also actively evaluating the situation of Guyanese nationals living and studying in Jamaica. They are working to ensure that all Guyanese citizens in the affected areas are safe, accounted for, and able to access emergency assistance. Provisions for relief supplies and emergency repatriation support are also being arranged in case they are needed,” a release from the CDC stated.
In addition, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed deep concern and solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica, as well as other Member States and Associate Members, including Haiti, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and other countries in the Region affected by the passage of the record-breaking Hurricane Melissa.
Melissa became a devastating Category 5 hurricane over the weekend despite having only traveled roughly 150 miles since Friday morning. At least four deaths have been attributed to Hurricane Melissa in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
In response to the Hurricane, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has warned that the entire island is likely to experience hurricane-force winds exceeding 100 miles per hour, heavy rainfall, and widespread flooding over the coming days.
In an official statement titled “Message from the Caribbean Community Passage of Hurricane Melissa”, CARICOM extended support to all nations within the hurricane’s path, acknowledging the widespread impact and challenges caused by the powerful system.
“We commend the efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders who have been working to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being,” the statement read.
The Community also urged residents across the affected territories to heed official advisories and updates issued by their respective authorities, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety as the storm continues to threaten lives and livelihoods.
CARICOM reaffirmed its commitment to a collective and coordinated regional response, noting that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) will play a central role in supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Full impact
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness has urged Jamaicans to brace for the full impact of Hurricane Melissa, cautioning that the combination of sustained rainfall before landfall and the projected intensity of the storm could result in severe flash flooding, landslides, and storm surges, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas, as well as in hilly regions vulnerable to landslides.
“It is expected that Hurricane Melissa will make landfall on Tuesday. I take this opportunity to reinforce the appeal to residents of low-lying areas, historically flood-prone areas, gully banks, riverbanks, hillsides, and other vulnerable areas to take precautions to protect your property where possible, prepare your evacuation plan, and comply with the evacuation orders given. Avoid unnecessary risks such as playing in floodwaters and waterways, climbing trees and roofs during the hurricane, shelter in place, stay inside during the hurricane”.
“Shelters have been prepared, supplies pre-positioned, and emergency teams are standing by across the island. At the time of impact, the government will declare a disaster under the DRMA along with the various other measures necessary from time to time to take us safely through the periods of disaster, relief, and recovery,” the Prime Minister said.
Holness noted that early reports indicate Hurricane Melissa’s potential impact could surpass that of Hurricane Beryl, especially in terms of rainfall and flooding.
To facilitate the national response, the government has declared the entire island a threatened area under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), providing the legal framework for emergency measures.
The Prime Minister also signed a compulsory evacuation order for several south coast communities, empowering ODPEM to remove persons from high-risk zones to save lives. Additionally, an order was issued under the Trade Act to prevent price gouging during the disaster period.
On Sunday, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) are ready to support Jamaica, as the country braces for the devastating Hurricane Melissa.
The President also underscored that Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry has been tasked with mobilising the private sector and other stakeholders to “get some level of support to the students and any vulnerable families in Jamaica”.
President Ali had emphasised that Guyana stands ready to provide assistance, noting that both the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) have been placed on alert to be mobilised if support is requested.
“The Government of Jamaica has been informed of Guyana’s willingness to assist should it be required,” the statement noted.
With the hurricane fast approaching Jamaica, where a number of Guyanese students are studying, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it is closely monitoring the situation.
The Ministry has also been instructed to prepare care packages and emergency support, if required.