KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is expressing its sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Haiti on the significant loss of lives and massive destruction occasioned by the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

Party Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Dr Morais Guy, in a news release said: “As geographical neighbours who are annually exposed to the possible ravages of nature due to our location in the typical path of these hurricanes, we in Jamaica from experiences are fully aware of the wrath that can be brought by such weather systems.

“Our hearts ache and so our thoughts are with the thousands who have been left homeless in the wake this severe weather system and the People’s National Party hopes that the regional and international communities will respond in a timely, generous and definitive manner, in giving much assistance to our now disadvantaged Caribbean neighbour.”

The PNP said it is urging the Jamaican authorities to urgently provide the needed assistance committed and would also like to encourage all Jamaicans to contribute to this relief effort, if it is within their capability.

“Historically our Haitian neighbours have been an inspiration to us all and are deserving of the same support we would have wanted for ourselves, were we in a similar predicament,” he said. “We know they will recover, as the spirit of Toussaint L’Ouverture lives on in a proud nation.”