Government Delivers on Completing Its Hurricane Melissa Support

The Cayman Islands Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Jamaica by disbursing US$1 million in financial assistance to Jamaica, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

This latest contribution forms part of Government’s overall pledge of approximately US$1.2 million announced in October last year to support Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following the hurricane which devastated the island. It follows a shipment of emergency relief supplies valued at nearly US$200,000, delivered by a delegation led by Premier Hon. André Ebanks on 30 October as the first relief flight to land in Jamaica.

The US$1 million has been allocated across three key areas –a community voucher programme, education recovery, and an agricultural restoration programme – and will support recovery efforts in the country’s western region.

For the community voucher programme, US$333,000 will provide residents with vouchers for purchasing building materials for home repairs, while also stimulating economic activity in impacted communities. Education recovery also will receive US$333,000, to assist with rebuilding schools and procuring essential educational supplies including textbooks, chalkboards, tools, and other equipment. Meanwhile, US$334,000 will go toward the agricultural restoration programme to support farmers in recovering lost crops and livestock, enabling them to resume operations and restore economic stability.

Premier Ebanks said disbursing the remainder of the pledged funds underscores Cayman’s enduring partnership with Jamaica’s Government and people.

“The Cayman Islands continues to stand firmly with Jamaica during this critical period of recovery. Our contribution reflects our shared Caribbean bonds and our belief in Jamaica’s resilience. As recovery continues, we remain committed to offering meaningful support that helps communities recover, livelihoods restart, and families look to the future with renewed hope,” he said.

“We recall the profound impact Hurricane Ivan had on our ownIslands, and we remain grateful for the compassion Jamaica extended to usduring that difficult time,” Premier Ebanks continued. “That shared history affirms our responsibility to one another as neighbours and as brothers’ keepers, as well as our faith that through unity and perseverance, we can all recover and be restored.”

The Cayman Islands Government has also reiterated its commitment to supporting regional neighbours in times of need with continuing efforts to promote resilience, recovery and long-term stability across the region.