The European Union (EU), The Netherlands and international partners have delivered an additional shipment of emergency relief supplies to support Jamaica’s recovery, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The Dutch Navy support ship, HNLMS Pelikaan, docked in the Kington Harbour yesterday carrying power generators, solar lamps, batteries, medical and health supplies, emergency shelter materials, and vehicles to assist communities hardest hit by the hurricane.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who was on hand to receive the shipment on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, said the delivery of relief supplies has been challenging due to blocked roads and flooded bridges, which makes this shipment especially valuable.
“This particular shipment is so very important because it comes with vehicles. It comes with trucks. It comes with lifting mechanisms. It comes with pallets and mobile desalination units. It comes with systematic ability to deliver, and that makes this particularly important today,” the minister said.
She added that the support reflects the power of diplomacy and the importance of multilateral partnerships in disaster recovery and rebuilding. On behalf of the Jamaican people, she thanked The Netherlands, EU, United Nations partners, Canada and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) for their solidarity and assistance.
EU Ambassador Dr Erja Askola reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Jamaica, noting, “The Government and people of Jamaica can count on the EU to stand by them during this difficult time of devastation and destruction. I am proud to be here together with EU Member States as Team Europe.”
Matthijis Wolters, ambassador of The Netherlands to Cuba and Jamaica, participating remotely, said the delivery was made possible through close cooperation between the Jamaican authorities, the EU, and the Dutch navy in the Caribbean.
“It shows the strong and enduring commitment of The Netherlands to the people of Jamaica in times of crisis. The supplies will help Jamaican communities alleviate some of the most pressing humanitarian needs in the early stages of recovery,” he said.
This latest delivery adds to earlier emergency assistance coordinated through the Team Europe approach, demonstrating the collective commitment of European partners to Jamaica’s disaster response and recovery.
