Premier Extends Hurricane Beryl Support to Jamaica

By: Takiyah Smith   

The Cayman Islands commenced engagement on post-disaster assistance with Jamaica on Thursday, 18 July, following  devastating impacts from Hurricane Beryl earlier this month. 

Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly led a delegation of government officials to Kingston, Jamaica where they interfaced with Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness and representatives of the Jamaican government. Jamaica’s Minister for Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, MP; Minister for Labour and Social Security Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, and Senator Hon. Dr. Dana Morris Dixon of the Office of the Prime Minister were present and shared key insights into the status of Jamaica following the historic category 4 hurricane. 

The Cayman delegation was briefed on the level of damage incurred to the island, particularly along its southern coast. Ideas were exchanged between leaders on recovery and resiliency, as well as the need for regional collaboration on preparedness. 

A financial donation of $200,000 USD has been made by the Cayman Islands Government to the Building A Better Jamaica Fund, led by the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica and its philanthrophic arm, the NCB Foundation. The funding will go towards providing relief to communities most adversely affected by Hurricane Beryl.

The delegation toured communities in the parish of Clarendon and delivered medical supplies donated from the Health Services Authority and Health City Cayman Islands.  

‘’As we accept the grace we received from Hurricane Beryl, it is also our duty as a neighbour with strong historical ties to the nation of Jamaica to extend kindness at this time. It brought me much joy to personally interact with Prime Minister Holness and Members of his Cabinet and offer direct support and encouragement”, stated Premier O’Connor-Connolly. 

The donation comes as part of the US$1.2 million pledge by the Cayman Islands Government to assist the four Caribbean countries most impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Similar donations have already been presented to Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Premier O’Connor-Connolly noted, “Given our awareness of the pressing needs of Jamaica, we thought it important to come today to reassure the Government and people of Jamaica of our commitment.  I am also pleased to announce that that a 7-person team of CUC’s linesmen will be arriving on 23 July to join in the effort to restore electricity to Jamaican communities- which was confirmed by Mr Richard Hew, CEO of CUC .  Based on my tour of impacted areas, the needs are great.  Therefore, we will be reaching out to the Cayman Islands community to coordinate a drive for relief items for Jamaica.  

The Premier was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary, Hon W. McKeeva Bush; Cabinet Secretary Mr Samuel Rose; Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Dr Joseph Marzouca; Senior Special Advisor, Mr Darrel Rankine; and the Director of Communications, Mrs Oneisha Richards.