The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) successfully coordinated the official handover of relief supplies in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of Guyana’s humanitarian assistance following Hurricane Melissa. This initiative is in line with a Presidential directive and is executed in partnership with the Private Sector Commission.

Relief items were transported by FARSAN to a central warehouse in Kingston, serving as the handover point for communities affected by the hurricane.

The handover involved a delegation from the GDF, including Captain (Coast Guard) Vernon Burnett, Major Michael Andrews, and Lieutenant Dowayne Tobin. They were joined by Guyanese representatives such as Ambassador Sheila Sealey Monteith and former Chair of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Komal Singh. Jamaican officials present included Minister of Local Government Hon. Desmond McKenzie, representatives from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPM), FARSAN representative Mr. Dennis Valdez, and members of the Jamaica Defence Force.

During the ceremony, speakers acknowledged the collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and defense forces in mobilizing and delivering timely assistance. The event concluded with the signing of the official handover certificate, marking the formal transfer of the relief items to Jamaican authorities.

The GDF continues to play a vital role in Guyana’s commitment to regional disaster relief and humanitarian cooperation.

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