Her Excellency the Governor has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. In a letter shared with civil servants on 31 October, the Governor wrote:
“The devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica and the region has left me shocked and saddened. It has been heart wrenching to see the trail of devastation across the Caribbean, claiming lives, destroying homes, and disrupting communities. I extend my deepest condolences to anyone who has lost loved ones, and to all who are suffering in the wake of this unprecedented storm. I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your families in this moment. I know how hard it is to be away from home at a time like this.
This is a time of profound sorrow, but also of unity. In the face of adversity, the Caribbean spirit remains unbroken. We have seen extraordinary acts of courage and compassion: from first responders risking their lives to protect others, to neighbours helping neighbours through the darkest hours. As the Jamaican proverb says, ‘Wi likkle but wi tallawah’ — we may be small, but we are mighty.
Please know that my thoughts are with every officer and every family affected by this storm.”
In response to the hurricane, the UK Government has mobilised a comprehensive support package for the region, including:
• £7.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding, enabling the delivery of over 2,800 emergency shelter kits and 1,700 solar lanterns to affected communities.
• Deployment of HMS Trent, a Royal Navy vessel pre-positioned in the Caribbean, to assist with disaster relief in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands, a UK Overseas Territory.
• Pre-positioned emergency supplies in Antigua and Barbuda are being rapidly deployed across the region. Montserrat is included in the UK’s regional preparedness planning, ensuring swift support is available if needed.
• UK humanitarian and logistics experts conducted preparedness visits to Montserrat earlier this year to assess disaster readiness and strengthen local response capabilities.
The UK remains steadfast in its support for the Caribbean, working closely with regional partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need and that all Overseas Territories are prepared and supported during this hurricane season.