Guyana’s humanitarian assistance to Jamaica advanced as the official handover of relief supplies was completed in Kingston, with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continuing to serve in a coordinating role on behalf of the Government of Guyana. This support forms part of a Presidential directive and national humanitarian initiative, carried out in partnership with the Private Sector Commission and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
Relief items were transported by FARSAN to a Warehouse in Kingston, which served as the central handover point for the ongoing response to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The handover brought together the Guyana Defence Force delegation, including Captain (Coast Guard), Vernon Burnett, MSM, Major, Michael Andrews, and Lieutenant, Dowayne Tobin. Other Guyanese representatives included Ambassador and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheila Sealey Monteith, and Former Chair of the Private Sector Commission of Guyana, Mr. Komal Singh. They were joined by senior Jamaican officials, including Minister of Local Government, Hon. Desmond McKenzie; representatives of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPM); FARSAN representative, Mr. Dennis Valdez; and members of the Jamaica Defence Force.
Short remarks acknowledged the cooperation between government agencies, the Private Sector, and defence forces in mobilizing and delivering the supplies. Speakers highlighted the importance of timely assistance and the ongoing partnership between Guyana and Jamaica in disaster response efforts. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the official handover certificate, marking the formal transfer of the relief items to Jamaican authorities.
The Guyana Defence Force continues to provide support as part of Guyana’s wider commitment to regional disaster relief and humanitarian cooperation.
