Hurricane Melissa-hit Caribbean to get $7M in Canadian humanitarian aid - National | Globalnews. ca

The Canadian government has announced a $7 million humanitarian aid package for Caribbean countries severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. This devastating Category 5 storm made landfall on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. The hurricane has resulted in dozens of fatalities and left significant damage to infrastructure, including power outages that disrupted communication throughout the region. Randeep Sarai, the Secretary of State for International Development, emphasized Canada’s commitment to supporting the Caribbean not just through words, but with concrete actions. He stated that Canada will be present to help rebuild communities stronger, safer, and more resilient in the aftermath of this crisis. Despite the severity of the storm, Global Affairs Canada reported that no Canadian citizens have been injured or killed so far, and no Canadians are currently reported missing. Due to the power outages, communication remains difficult, slowing down efforts to establish contact and assess needs on the ground. Canada’s embassy in Havana reported no requests for assistance from Canadians in Cuba, while the high commission in Jamaica remains inaccessible but continues to operate remotely. To enhance emergency response and consular services, two members of Canada’s rapid deployment team arrived in Kingston on Thursday, with three more expected the following day. Encouragingly, Kingston’s main airport has reopened for commercial flights, facilitating aid delivery and personnel movement. The $7 million aid package includes $5 million earmarked for life-saving immediate help through emergency response agencies and healthcare providers. The government is still identifying specific recipient countries and organizations to ensure the funds are used efficiently. The remaining $2 million is designated for the World Food Programme to assist with food distribution efforts in Jamaica, where many communities are struggling with access to basic supplies. Canada has committed to dispatching relief supplies from its emergency stockpile via the Red Cross should the affected countries request such assistance. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand noted that while humanitarian aid is currently the primary request from Jamaica, Canada remains ready to deploy military forces if asked. She underscored the importance of swift, reliable delivery of aid to ensure it reaches those in need as quickly as possible. Beyond immediate relief, Ottawa has funded programs aimed at helping Caribbean nations better prepare for natural disasters through emergency planning and logistical support. Canada is also involved in multi-year efforts to reform global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which will enable Caribbean countries to secure funding for climate-resilient infrastructure projects. These initiatives reflect Canada’s long-term commitment to supporting the region’s recovery and resilience against future climate-related disasters.