UK pledges support for Jamaica’s climate resilience after Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica Gleaner | 2025-12-05 | Original Article

United Kingdom (UK) Minister for the Caribbean, Chris Elmore, has pledged his Government’s commitment to supporting Jamaica’s climate resilience and long-term recovery from Hurricane Melissa.

 

The commitment comes in the aftermath of the devastating impact of category-five hurricane on the island on October 28.

 

Speaking with JIS News during a visit to St. Elizabeth on Tuesday, which is one of the parishes most severely impacted by the hurricane, the UK Minister said that support and investment in resilience infrastructure in countries that are vulnerable to disasters is crucial.

 

“Part of that response is making sure that we take our responsibilities [seriously] around climate change and the impact it has on Jamaica and other countries around the Caribbean,” he said.

 

The tour included a stop at the Santa Cruz Health Centre, a UK-funded SMART health facility that remained operational through hurricanes Beryl and Melissa.

 

Elmore said he was impressed with the “fantastic facilities” at the Santa Cruz Health Centre, which has stood up to two hurricanes in the last 15 months.

 

He noted that the UK continues to deliver assistance to the worst-affected areas of the island, including dispatching the naval ship, HMS Trent.

 

The vessel carried specialist personnel and equipment for humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

 

The crew assisted with infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs, particularly at locations like Falmouth Hospital, working in partnership with the Jamaica Defence Force.

 

For his part, Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority, Wayne Chen, said he was pleased with the visit, and assured Elmore that the UK’s investment in upgrading the Santa Cruz Health Centre as a SMART health facility, is “good value for money”.

 

- JIS News

 

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