GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali on Sunday said Guyana stands in full solidarity with the people of Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island, noting that the government has activated emergency measures to assist Guyanese nationals studying and living there.
In a post on his official Facebook page, President Ali said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Jamaica. We stand in solidarity with you as you brace for the dangerous conditions brought by Hurricane Melissa.”
Earlier, the President instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to establish a full support mechanism to ensure the safety and well-being of Guyanese in Jamaica. He also directed Permanent Secretary Sharon Roopchand-Edwards to engage Guyana’s Honorary Consul, students, and other citizens on the island, and to coordinate the preparation of care packages if necessary.
In a recorded message shared with Guyanese students, President Ali said he has been in contact with Jamaican authorities and has asked the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to be on standby to assist if required.
“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 emphasized that the Foreign Secretary, Permanent Secretary, and Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica have been instructed to maintain direct communication with Guyanese nationals throughout the storm.
“I want to ask all of you to remain safe, remain calm, and support each other,” the President added, noting that Guyana has formally informed the Jamaican government of its readiness to assist in any emergency response effort.
Hurricane Melissa, currently tracking across the Caribbean Sea, is forecast to bring dangerous winds, torrential rain, and flash flooding to Jamaica. The island’s authorities have activated national emergency systems as regional partners, including Guyana, pledge readiness to provide support.