The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has approved a USD $670,000 emergency grant to support the Government of Jamaica’s humanitarian and recovery operations following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The Category 5 storm — one of the strongest to ever strike Jamaica — caused widespread destruction to infrastructure, housing, and essential services, leaving communities across the island reeling. CAF said the contribution is meant to complement ongoing regional and international relief efforts already mobilized to assist the country.
In a letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, CAF’s Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados expressed solidarity with Jamaicans and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the nation’s recovery.
“We are deeply moved by the reports of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica,” Díaz-Granados said. “Jamaica is a valued member of the CAF family, and we stand firmly alongside the nation during this most difficult time. We recognize that the needs are immense and immediate and stand ready to channel resources to ongoing relief efforts.”
CAF also facilitated bilateral assistance from the Government of El Salvador, which sent 37 tonnes of humanitarian supplies and more than 300 emergency personnel to help local authorities in relief and recovery operations across the island.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of CAF’s Board of Directors, Hon. Davendranath Tancoo, praised the swift response, reaffirming the Board’s full support for CAF’s humanitarian and financial assistance to Jamaica. He also extended his solidarity to the Jamaican people during the recovery period.
CAF commended the Government of Jamaica’s leadership in coordinating national response efforts and reiterated its commitment to working closely with the administration and affected communities throughout the reconstruction process.
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