GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali on Sunday assured Guyanese nationals in Jamaica, including students, that the Government of Guyana has activated a full emergency response mechanism to assist them as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island.
In a recorded message shared with Guyanese in Jamaica, President Ali said he has been in direct contact with officials in Kingston and has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to maintain constant communication with Guyanese residents and students.
“I want to assure all of you that I am in contact with the officials in Jamaica. I’ve asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be fully engaged. We are also working with the private sector to get some level of support to the students and any vulnerable families in Jamaica,” President Ali said.
He added that the Guyana Defence Force and the Civil Defence Commission have been placed on full standby to provide assistance if required, and that the Government of Jamaica has been formally informed of Guyana’s readiness to assist.
The President said key officials, including the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, the Foreign Secretary, and Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica, have been instructed to coordinate efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Guyanese in the hurricane’s path.
“I want to ask all of you to remain safe, remain calm, and support each other,” the President said, adding that his prayers and thoughts are with all Guyanese in Jamaica and with the people of Jamaica as the country braces for the storm.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that Guyanese students or nationals in Jamaica seeking assistance can contact Permanent Secretary Roopchand-Edwards at +592 611 0345 or via email at ps@minfor.gov.gy.
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 3 storm, is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flash flooding to Jamaica and parts of the northern Caribbean. The Government of Jamaica has activated emergency protocols, while regional partners, including Guyana, have pledged readiness to assist. In recent years, Guyana has extended similar support to its citizens and neighboring Caribbean states during natural disasters.