Guyana Sends Second Wave of Relief Supplies to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

Guyana has ramped up its support for storm-ravaged Jamaica, dispatching a second shipment of emergency relief supplies in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa.

The latest consignment — coordinated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) — set sail Thursday from the AFS Shipping Wharf at Friendship aboard the MV Falk. The shipment is expected to make landfall in Jamaica within six days.

This renewed assistance comes on the heels of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Jamaica alongside other CARICOM heads of government, underscoring the region’s strengthened cooperation and Guyana’s partnership with its private sector.

According to officials, the cargo includes lumber and zinc sheeting sufficient to rebuild 200 roofs, as well as mattresses, water tanks, and rice. Demonstrating Guyana’s growing manufacturing capacity, the mattresses and tanks were produced locally by A&F Foam Factory and Lion Tank.

CDC Director General, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, said the mission represents more than material support.

“This mission is about more than materials. It is about solidarity and ensuring that Jamaican families can rebuild their lives with dignity,” he stated.

A team of engineers from the Guyana Defence Force will also be deployed to Jamaica to assist with reconstruction efforts once the shipment arrives.

The MV Falk had originally been chartered by Barakat Timbers & Trading Company Ltd to transport lumber to Jamaica, but with available cargo space onboard, the government moved swiftly to utilise the opportunity and speed up relief delivery.

Colonel Hussain confirmed that a third shipment — comprising additional food supplies and building materials — is scheduled to leave Guyana in two weeks as the country continues to bolster regional disaster recovery efforts.