GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana has begun coordinating humanitarian assistance for Jamaica after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated sections of the island, leaving widespread destruction, displacing residents and crippling key services, officials said Thursday.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, currently performing the functions of president, convened a high-level emergency meeting Wednesday with the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Defence Force and the Civil Defence Commission to finalize Guyana’s response.
According to officials, Guyana’s initial deployment will include generators, tarpaulins, chainsaws and other emergency supplies to assist with immediate relief and recovery efforts. The mission is being coordinated jointly by the government and private sector under the prime minister’s direction.
“Guyana stands ready to support the Government and people of Jamaica during this difficult period,” the Civil Defence Commission said in a statement, adding that technical and operational support will follow if needed.
Disaster response units, including the Guyana-CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit and the CARICOM Operational Support Team, are on standby for deployment.
The Private Sector Commission has also appealed to the public and business community to contribute to relief efforts. Monetary donations will support the procurement and shipment of critical supplies for affected families.
Donations may be made through:
- Cash or Cheque: Payable to Private Sector Commission
Contact: +592-614-4625 - Bank Transfers:
Account Name: Private Sector Commission
Bank: Demerara Bank
Account Number: 4023420
The Civil Defence Commission and private sector reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity with Jamaica, noting that the country remains prepared to scale up support as recovery needs evolve.