US naval mission delivers Beryl relief to Ja
Published:Friday | July 12, 2024 | 12:09 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
The United States this week made significant donations to Jamaica to assist the island with Hurricane Beryl relief efforts following the passage of the Category 4 system last week.
On Wednesday, it donated over US$80,000 in medical and hurricane relief supplies through its Continuing Promise 2024 initiative at the Kingston Wharves. The supplies were delivered by the US Naval Forces on board the USNS Burlington.
“We are delighted to host active-duty personnel, reservists, and civilian mariners from the United States Navy and United States Army, who have embarked on this mission to foster goodwill, strengthen regional partnerships, and work side by side with our Jamaican friends to improve our regional preparedness,” Perry said.
He noted that the US and Jamaica share a deep and enduring partnership.
“The Continuing Promise mission exemplifies the spirit of cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to our communities and reinforcing our commitment to regional stability and prosperity. We are also proud to underscore new partnerships between the Government of Jamaica and US non-governmental organisations, including Food for the Poor, University of Miami, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, LIFT, My Medic, Good360, and CORE, who provided these incredible donations for the people of Jamaica,” Perry said.
The Jamaica-born US ambassador said the mission comes at an opportune time as Jamaica and several Caribbean islands grapple with extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl.
“[This] handover is on the heels of [Tuesday’s] announcement of US$2.5 million in humanitarian assistance that will help Jamaicans repair homes, assist with water and sanitation needs, support logistical operations, and provide essential relief to those in need. We are proud to support our Jamaican friends and we want Jamaicans to know we are here to offer our assistance,” Perry said.
During this mission, US military personnel will also work alongside Jamaican medical personnel to provide critical medical services and supplies, as well as veterinary services.
“This assistance, along with construction materials and supplies, will significantly enhance the well-being of Jamaica’s citizens and support recovery efforts. Additionally, the mission will facilitate invaluable exchanges of expertise and knowledge between US Navy personnel and members of the Jamaica Defence Force, continuing the long-lasting military partnership that exists between our two countries,” Perry said.
The supplies included 12 continuous positive airway pressure machines, 25 nebulisers, two hospital beds, 500 syringes, 20 urine covers, 20 shoe covers, six packs of surgical training supplies, hygiene kits, N95 masks, and surgical gowns, among other assorted medical supplies.
Dr Nicole Dawkins-Wright, director of emergency, disaster management and special services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, accepted the donations. She said the partnership will help to enable the delivery of the highest quality of care to Jamaicans, ensuring the best possible health outcomes.
Mission Commander Lt Comm Zachary Smith reiterated the strong relationship between the US and Jamaica.
He underscored that the US was the first foreign military disaster relief out the blocks with assistance since Beryl’s passage.
“Continuing Promise 2024 marks the third time in the last 10 years that this mission has visited Jamaica, making the island one of the mission’s leading stops in the last decade,” Smith said.
“What good person wouldn’t respond quickly if their neighbours were in need? What good person wouldn’t want to get to know their neighbours to better them for the overall welfare and well-being of their neighbourhood? This is the primary purpose of the ongoing Continuing Promise mission,” he added.