Guyana Sends Second Shipment of Emergency Relief Supplies to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

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In a show of solidarity, Guyana has dispatched its second tranche of emergency relief supplies to Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The shipment, coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), departed on Thursday from the AFS Shipping Wharf at Friendship aboard the MV Falk and is expected to arrive in Jamaica within six days.

This latest support initiative follows President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Jamaica, where he met with other CARICOM Heads of Government. The relief effort underscores the strong collaboration between the Guyanese government and the private sector.

The shipment includes essential materials such as wood and zinc sheeting for rebuilding 200 roofs, as well as mattresses, water tanks, and rice. Notably, many of the items—including the mattresses and tanks—were manufactured locally by A&F Foam Factory and Lion Tank, showcasing Guyana’s manufacturing capacity.

Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “This mission is about more than materials. It is about solidarity and ensuring that Jamaican families can rebuild their lives with dignity.”

In addition to the supplies, a team of engineers from the Guyana Defence Force will be deployed to Jamaica to assist with roof reconstruction once the aid arrives.

The MV Falk was initially chartered by Barakat Timbers & Trading Company Ltd to transport lumber to Jamaica. To expedite relief efforts, the government took advantage of the vessel’s available cargo space for this crucial shipment.

Looking ahead, Colonel Hussain confirmed that a third shipment of food and building materials is scheduled to leave Guyana in two weeks, furthering the country’s commitment to supporting regional disaster recovery efforts.

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