KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica has led a major initiative within the Organization of American States (OAS) to strengthen the hemisphere’s emergency aid mechanism and improve the organisation’s capacity to support Member States affected by natural disasters.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the initiative during her delivery of Jamaica’s national statement at the 56th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly in Panama City, where Member States are meeting from June 22 to 24.

The resolution, titled ‘Strengthening the Effectiveness and Impact of the Inter-American Emergency Aid from the Emergency Fund (FONDEM), was spearheaded by Jamaica, together with The Bahamas and the United States of America. It seeks to encourage greater voluntary contributions to FONDEM and better position the OAS to provide timely emergency support to Member States in need.

“When disaster strikes, the test of multilateralism is not the strength of our statements, but the speed and substance of our response. Through this resolution, Jamaica is helping to move FONDEM from a modest emergency tool to a more credible mechanism for hemispheric solidarity. For small and vulnerable States, this is not abstract diplomacy. It is about whether help can reach people, communities and economies when they need it most,” Johnson Smith explained.

The minister linked Jamaica’s leadership on the resolution to the growing urgency of climate resilience and disaster response across the hemisphere. She recalled the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa last October, which claimed lives and caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, homes, livelihoods, agriculture and other productive sectors.

She also expressed Jamaica’s gratitude to its hemispheric family and international partners for the solidarity and support extended to the Government and people of Jamaica in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.

The foreign minister also noted that although Jamaica has strengthened its capacity to absorb shocks and recover through sound domestic policies and strong partnerships, the support of hemispheric and international partners is indispensable. She cautioned, however, that the annual hurricane season continues to bring uncertainty, disruption and dislocation, particularly for Small Island Developing States and other vulnerable countries.

She said the resolution reflects Jamaica’s view that strong multilateralism must deliver practical results for citizens, especially in moments of crisis.

The minister also used the opportunity to reaffirm Jamaica’s commitment to democratic governance, regional security and institutional effectiveness within the OAS. She recognised the organisation’s contribution to strengthening democratic institutions, supporting electoral processes, promoting peacebuilding and fostering regional stability.

Jamaica also welcomed the OAS’s continued engagement in Haiti, including support for political dialogue, coordination and implementation of the Haitian-led Roadmap.

Johnson Smith stressed the importance of renewing the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force, which is due to expire at the end of August, and reaffirmed Jamaica’s contribution through trainers and command personnel.

As the assembly commemorates the Bicentennial of the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect as essential principles of the inter-American system.