KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has received a shipment of relief supplies from the Dominican Republic to assist families affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The 628-tonne shipment, which includes food items, blankets, bed sheets, mattresses, mosquito nets, cots and medicines, was handed over on Wednesday at Kingston Wharves Limited.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who was on hand to receive the consignment, expressed profound gratitude to the Dominican Republic Government for the support.

“It’s with a full heart that I extend, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica… to the Government and people of the Dominican Republic, our brothers and sisters so close by, our most sincere gratitude for this gift delivered in solidarity and with love and fraternity in their own time of challenge,” she said.

Senator Johnson Smith highlighted the thoughtfulness of the aid, noting that it will bring comfort to families at a time of dislocation “where little children are still trying to figure out and understand how their lives have changed so much”.

The minister emphasised that Jamaica’s recovery efforts benefit greatly from international partnerships.

“Jamaica is not broken, as I’ve said it before, and Jamaicans are a strong and resilient people, but partnerships are fundamental to our recovery. We know that we will not accomplish everything alone, and so we welcome the friendship, fraternity and support of countries like the Dominican Republic,” she said, noting the 62-year history of cooperation between both nations.

Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, Manuel Duran, reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with Jamaica.

He said that the shipment demonstrates “the steadfast commitment of our President, Luis Abinader, and of the Dominican Republic people to the values of solidarity, cooperation and mutual support with Jamaica”.

He noted that the donation follows an earlier delivery of urgent medical relief supplies by the Dominican Republic Air Force.

“Today, we stand here not only as neighbours but as brothers and sisters united in compassion, solidarity and shared humanity,” Ambassador Duran said, emphasising the enduring friendship and shared Caribbean identity between the two nations.

“In the face of adversity, we are reminded that the Caribbean is not a collection of isolated islands, but a family bound together by history, values and destiny. When one of us is affected, we all feel it. And when we come together, our collective strength becomes unbreakable,” he said.

Brigade Commander at the Jamaica Defence Force Maritime, Air and Cyber Command (MACC), Brigadier Elon Clarke, highlighted the importance of regional solidarity in times of crisis.

“Hurricane Melissa did not distinguish between flags or coastline. It reminded us that the forces of nature can test us all, and that in these moments, our strength lies not in isolation but in solidarity,” he noted.

“The Dominican Republic, still managing its own recovery after facing the storm’s impact, chose not to look inward but instead reached outward, extending a hand of friendship and compassion to Jamaica. This is the very essence of Caribbean unity,” he said.

“Your solidarity will be long remembered. May this moment stand as proof that even in our most difficult time, the Caribbean spirit remains unshaken. Proud, compassionate and united,” he added.

— JIS