EU Reaffirms Support to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
Speaking on Sunday 9 November after a meeting with Minister Audrey Marks with Responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Ms. Hadja Lahbib, said she was deeply moved by the destruction caused by the hurricane.
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“My heart goes to all those who lost loved ones, to the injured, and to everyone who lost homes and livelihoods,” she stated.
“In just a few hours Melissa destroyed what many built over a lifetime. But it did not destroy your courage, or your determination to rebuild.”
Earlier in the day, Commissioner Lahbib conducted an aerial tour of the worst affected areas with the Jamaica Defence Force and Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). She commended the Government for its resilience and leadership in responding to the crisis.
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The Commissioner said the European Union continues to mobilise its full support, using all its response tools, including the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Relief EU, humanitarian emergency funding, and ongoing projects through humanitarian partners.
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She stated that the EU has mobilized €2million of emergency funding for Jamaica to help families rebuild, restore basic services and recover their livelihoods. This does not include the substantial in-kind deliveries by the EU and its Member States.
“And today, I’m pleased to announce an additional € 1.25 million to support Red Cross response in Cuba and Jamaica.”
Minister Marks thanked the EU for the amazing work it has been doing together with EU Member States to support Jamaica.
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“They were on the scene very early,” she said. “They are delivering support in the areas of greatest need…field hospitals, generators, logistical tracking systems, and every type of supply that is needed by the most hard-hit communities in the parishes that are quite devastated at this time.”
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Since the hurricane, so far, six EU Member States: France, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands have made concrete offers of assistance as part of Team Europe through the EU Civil Protection and other mechanisms, following Jamaica’s request for assistance, Ms. Lahbib stated.
This support includes power generators, water purification equipment, tarpaulins, food pallets, clean water and sanitation kits, shelter, emergency equipment, tools, protective gear, a fully equipped emergency medical team with a field hospital established in Falmouth, one of the most affected areas.
The Commissioner further stated that The EU Copernicus satellite system is producing detailed maps of the worst-hit areas in Jamaica, but also in Haiti and in Cuba.
“We are also organising EU humanitarian air bridge flights to deliver essential supplies to our partners on the front lines,” Ms Lahbib stated.
Noting that the situation is complex with many areas still hard to reach, Commissioner Lahbib said the EU and its partners are doing their best to deliver aid quickly including water, food, shelter and basic services to those who lost everything.
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“This is EU solidarity at its best, friends standing together when it matters most. We will keep working side by side with the authorities, EU Member States, and our humanitarian partners on the ground to make sure every family gets the help they need, and no one is left behind,” she stated
“No storm, no hurricane, no disaster can rip apart the solidarity between the European Union and the Caribbean,” she declared.
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