Guyana readies supplies for hurricane-ravaged Jamaica, deployment personnel on standby

Last Updated on Thursday, 30 October 2025, 21:54 by Writer

The Guyana government’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Thursday said it was preparing to dispatch emergency supplies to Jamaica where hundreds of thousands of persons are reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm.

The decision was taken by a high-level coordination meeting that Prime Minister Mark Phillips convened with the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and the CDC to finalise Guyana’s support actions following the hurricane’s impact.

“The Prime Minister has indicated that the immediate and initial response will include the mobilisation and deployment of critical relief supplies including generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws to support immediate response efforts in Jamaica,” the CDC said in a statement.

The CDC said that support was being executed through a collaborative government-private sector initiative under the coordination of itself and the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Public Utilities minister Deodat Indar did not immediately respond to multiple queries about whether Guyana would be sending power company workers to Jamaica to assist with the restoration of electricity.

However, CDC Director-General, Colonel Nazrul Hussain said it is “anticipated” that Guyana would be sending electricity utility workers under the umbrella of Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), an association of electric energy solutions providers.

Jamaica’s Minister of Energy, Telecoms and Transport, Daryl Vaz told a news conference on Thursday that his country was currently “operating on a slim generation reserve margin due to the unavailability of generation units and required high voltage transmission lines to meet growing demand from restoration from generation available.” He also said that there was no renewable output available from solar and wind plants.

Mr Vaz also said over 70 percent of transmission lines remained out of service due to severe damage. He said as of October 29, power was restored to 52,00o of the 542,000 customers, leaving 490,000 still without electricity.

Colonel Hussain said GDF could be deployed in the coming days to assist with relief efforts from destruction, widespread disruption of essential services, and displacement of communities across affected areas.

The CDC said in its statement that the Director-General confirmed that Guyana stands ready to provide additional technical, logistical, and humanitarian assistance as recovery needs evolve.

Key teams, including the Guyana-CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (G-CDRU) and the CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST) are “currently on standby for deployment to assist with response and recovery efforts on the ground.”

The CDC said it was continuously working closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and other regional partners to support ongoing relief efforts.

Jamaica’s local government minister Anthony McKenzie, who is also Deputy Chairman of the National Disaster Risk Council, told a news conference on Thursday that the number of persons in the 521 shelters was down to “substantially” 13,000. “Persons who went to the shelter out of precaution have left those facilities and have gone back home,” he said.

Mr McKenzie also said 117 Jamaican soldiers as well as police officer and firefighters had been deployed to assist with search and rescue.

The CDC highlighted that the Private Sector Commission was calling on the generosity of the Guyanese public and the private sector to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. “Your contribution can make a real difference in helping families rebuild and recover. Your financial contribution will directly support the purchase and delivery of essential supplies for affected families.”

How to Donate?

1. Cash or Cheque

• Payable to: Private Sector Commission
• Contact number for persons interesting in making monetary donations: +592-614-4625

2. Bank / Wire Transfers

• Account Name: Private Sector Commission
• Bank: Demerara Bank
• Account Number: 4023420

The CDC in partnership with the private sector with the support of the office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering solidarity with Jamaica during this challenging period.