KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s recovery efforts from the passage of Hurricane Beryl has received additional support through a donation valued at $15 million, from the Government and people of the Republic of Korea.

The donation was handed over during a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade recently with State Minister Alando Terrelonge and Chargé d’Affaires at the Korean Embassy in Kingston, Jin-Wook Kim.

While speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica at Wednesday morning’s ceremony, Minister Terrelonge expressed gratitude and appreciation to Korea for the demonstration of solidarity shown during what he described as a challenging period for the island.

“We are gratified by this demonstration of solidarity during what has been a challenging period for Jamaica, but from which we are determined to build back better and stronger. This latest offer from the Government of Korea will enhance the prospects for timely and effective recovery, especially for those most impacted by Hurricane Beryl,” Terrelonge said.

He also reflected on the long-standing relationship between Jamaica and Korea, which dates back to 1962. The minister said for more than six decades, both nations have collaborated on various initiatives to include agriculture and technology, and pointed to the Sandy Shoreline Project as a key example of this collaborative effort, which is helping Jamaica to combat the effects of climate change.

Meanwhile, in expressing thanks to the foreign ministry for the care and support shown to the diplomatic corps during the hurricane, Kim said his Government’s donation to Jamaica comes with deep and sincere solidarity.

“The Republic of Korea is both pleased and honoured to respond to the call from the Government of Jamaica.  We hope that our contribution provides some relief from the suffering caused by Hurricane Beryl.  We have great faith in the resilience of the Jamaican people and are confident that Jamaica will fully recover,” he said.

This financial support is the latest provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea with whom Jamaica has had very active engagement. The ministry said it remains committed to working closely with international bodies and bilateral partners to ensure that recovery initiatives are implemented promptly and effectively.