KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says that it is in active contact with authorities in the Caribbean region to determine the extent of the loss of lives, injury and damage caused by the passage of Hurricane Irma.

In a statement today the ministry said that it is seeking to ascertain the kind of support and assistance that Jamaica can provide to Caribbean neighbours, as well as Jamaicans who reside in the affected countries.

The ministry said that constant contact was maintained through the nation’s high commissioner in Port-of-Spain, consul general in Miami, honorary consuls, and other formal and informal sources, and with several Jamaica living overseas, to determine the extent of the loss of lives, injury and damage caused by the hurricane.

“Because of the clear issues with which governments are dealing however, communication through the usual government channels and even with members of the Jamaican community in affected islands, are extremely difficult. Notwithstanding these difficulties, we continue to pay close attention to official reports and to explore different avenues to try to reach community members. We will provide more detailed updates in the hours to come, as more information becomes available,” Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith stated.

The minister expressed regret at the widely reported extensive damage that has been caused to Barbuda, Saint Martin and Sint Maarten as well as the British Virgin Islands.