CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean has allocated USD 670,000 in emergency grant funding to support Jamaica’s humanitarian and recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa caused significant destruction. The funds are intended to supplement aid from other regional and international organizations.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, CAF’s Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados conveyed solidarity with Jamaica following the category five hurricane, which resulted in loss of life and substantial damage to infrastructure and communities across the country. Díaz-Granados stated: “We are deeply moved by the reports of the devastating impact of hurricane Melissa on Jamaica. 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 has also coordinated bilateral assistance from El Salvador, which included sending 37 tonnes of humanitarian supplies as well as over 300 trained emergency personnel to assist Jamaican authorities in response operations.
Davendranath Tancoo, Chairman of CAF’s Board of Directors and Minister of Finance for Trinidad and Tobago, praised CAF’s rapid action: He expressed support for both CAF’s financial assistance measures for Jamaica and extended his sympathies to those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
CAF highlighted its recognition of Jamaica’s leadership in managing national response initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Jamaican authorities throughout recovery efforts.
