The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed deep concern for, and solidarity with, the people of Jamaica in relation to Hurricane Melissa. The upgraded Category 5 hurricane has already affected parts of the island, as officials continue to monitor its development.

Commending the efforts of national disaster management agencies and emergency responders, CARICOM reaffirmed its commitment “to a collective effort to support recovery and reconstruction in the aftermath of the hurricane.” It noted that this will be achieved through the coordinated efforts of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

CARICOM also extended its support to other CARICOM Member States and Associate Member States in the path of Hurricane Melissa, including Haiti, The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.