KINGSTON, Jamaica – Randeep Sarai, secretary of state, international development, accompanied by Greg Fergus, member of parliament for Hull-Aylmer, concluded a two-day visit to Jamaica focused on advancing recovery, strengthening resilience and deepening bilateral cooperation.
Secretary of state Sarai met with ambassador Audrey Marks, minister without portfolio in the office of the prime minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation and digital transformation, and commander Alvin Gayle, director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), to discuss Jamaica’s ongoing relief efforts, emerging needs and the resources required to strengthen the response. He also received an operational briefing on Canada’s support through the Operational Support Hub in Kingston and explored priority areas for long-term collaboration.
Fully operational since mid-November, the Operational Support Hub is providing immediate logistical and humanitarian assistance. With 77 Canadian Armed Forces members deployed, the Hub is coordinating the movement of foreign military disaster assistance teams of up to 200 personnel.
During the visit, secretary of state Sarai met with development partners and community stakeholders to advance coordinated recovery efforts and discuss strategies for long-term climate resilience. He travelled to communities hardest hit by hurricane Melissa, including yam farmers in Endeavour, St Ann, whose livelihoods were severely affected. Through the Global Affairs Canada–funded Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) Project, farmers received recovery kits valued at CAD $150,000, marking the first in a series of interventions to support small farmers’ recovery.
In St Ann, he toured the St Ann Bay Health Centre with state minister of health and wellness Krystal Lee and PAHO country director Ian Stein, engaging with health workers and response teams. He also visited the Jamaica Red Cross Distribution Centre with representatives from the Canadian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC. The visit concluded with a dinner at the Official Residence with Government of Jamaica officials to discuss long-term partnership and continued support.
“Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Jamaica as partners in recovery and resilience. Together, we are building a stronger future by supporting communities, advancing sustainable development and empowering people to overcome challenges and thrive,” said secretary of state Sarai.
Canada continues to stand with Jamaica as it rebuilds. In response to hurricane Melissa, Canada has provided over CAD $7 million in humanitarian assistance, including emergency food, relief supplies, emergency health services, water, sanitation and hygiene support. Canada is also matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross hurricane Melissa appeal across the region, up to CAD $1.5 million.
High Commissioner Mark Berman, who accompanied the secretary of state and MP Fergus throughout the visit, underscored Canada’s long-term commitment:
“Canada is fully committed to supporting Jamaica as it works through the far-reaching impacts of hurricane Melissa. This visit reinforced how our assistance is making a real difference on the ground, helping families recover, supporting critical services and strengthening systems that protect lives and livelihoods. We remain dedicated to advancing Jamaica’s recovery and long-term resilience in partnership with the government and people of Jamaica.”
This visit follows a high-level engagement earlier this month. On November 5, prime minister Mark Carney spoke with Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, conveying Canada’s sympathies after hurricane Melissa and reaffirming Canada’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. He highlighted Canada’s emergency assistance and the activation of the Canadian Armed Forces Operational Support Hub to support regional relief. The leaders also met on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where they underscored their shared ambition to further strengthen the Canada–Jamaica partnership.
As part of the immediate support, Canada announced CAD $6.1 million in development assistance to help repair health facilities, strengthen emergency response systems and accelerate food system recovery. Canadian companies and volunteers have joined the effort, supporting power restoration, search and rescue operations and education initiatives—reflecting the strong partnership between both countries.
Canada’s humanitarian assistance is delivered through established partners working with the government of Jamaica and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Additional support has been channelled through pooled humanitarian funds, including the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the Red Cross Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) and the World Food Programme Immediate Response Account.
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