Guyana has dispatched its second shipment of emergency relief supplies to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, officials confirmed Thursday.
The relief cargo, coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), departed from the AFS Shipping Wharf at Friendship aboard the MV Falk and is expected to arrive in Jamaica within six days.
The shipment includes wood and zinc sheeting to rebuild 200 roofs, as well as mattresses, water tanks, and rice. Showcasing local manufacturing, the mattresses and tanks were produced by A&F Foam Factory and Lion Tank, highlighting Guyana’s domestic capacity to support regional disaster recovery.
“This mission is about more than materials. It is about solidarity and ensuring that Jamaican families can rebuild their lives with dignity,” said CDC Director General Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain.
A team of engineers from the Guyana Defence Force will also be deployed to assist with roof reconstruction once the supplies arrive. The MV Falk was originally chartered by Barakat Timbers & Trading Company Ltd for lumber transport to Jamaica, but the government utilized available cargo space to expedite relief efforts.
This latest shipment follows President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Jamaica with other CARICOM heads of government, demonstrating strong regional collaboration between government and private sector partners. A third shipment of food and building materials is scheduled to leave Guyana in two weeks, further supporting Jamaica’s recovery from the hurricane.
