WASHINGTON, CMC – The Trump administration says it is providing an initial US$24 million in “emergency, lifesaving assistance” for Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and “the people of Cuba” to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa, which passed through the region last week.
The aid announcement comes as several US lawmakers, including US Senate Democratic Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer, appealed to the administration to do much more to assist hurricane-ravaged Caribbean countries.
The State Department said that the funding will be used to provide shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, food assistance, and emergency healthcare. It told the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in Jamaica that it continues to assess the situation and determine future needs.
Since the Category 5 hurricane hit the Caribbean countries, the State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorized US$12 million for assistance in Jamaica, US$8.5 million for aid in Haiti, US$1 million for “the people of Cuba”, and US$500,000 for help in the Bahamas.
The State Department said the category five storm had caused widespread damage, hospital evacuations, and flooding across the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where fatalities were reported. The storm’s path also includes The Bahamas and Bermuda.
It said President Trump had authorised “an immediate US response, directing the Department of State to mobilize support for affected communities.
“Within hours, Secretary Rubio deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team, including urban search-and-rescue teams, to assess needs and provide search and recovery assistance,” it said, stating that it is collaborating with United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and host governments to deliver food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and search and rescue support.
But, Schumer said he had sent a letter to Rubio, stating that “officials in the Caribbean have reported early assessments of damage to be widespread, where homes and buildings have collapsed, roadways have been demolished, parishes are completely underwater, and currently 77 per cent of Jamaica remains without power.
“Concerted recovery efforts and humanitarian assistance are imperative in the coming days to save lives and sustain populations in the short term as Jamaica and the wider Caribbean begin reconstruction,” he wrote in the letter.
“We welcome the State Department’s announcement of available warehouses from which lifesaving aid can be distributed, as well as the creation of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in the region.
“This is an important first step, but critical and urgent action is needed to ensure resources are effectively and efficiently mobilised to victims who need it in the immediate and longer-term aftermath of this disaster.”
Schumer said that given that this is the first major disaster in the Caribbean since the closure of USAID, which held the expertise and capacity to quickly, efficiently, and meaningfully respond to these exact scenarios, we write with the following key questions.
“How many personnel has the Department mobilized as part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), including those from the Urban Search and Rescue team? Where are they stationed, and how long will they be there? What direction and mandate has the DART been given? Who is responsible for leading and coordinating hurricane response for the US Government?
“How is the Department coordinating with the Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capacities to mobilize assets and support in the region, including the increased assets recently mobilized in the area? How is the State Department mobilizing health experts, including those at the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control, to respond to health needs in affected countries?
“Given the millions of dollars of humanitarian aid that the administration has refused to spend, how does the administration plan to mobilize humanitarian funding quickly to partners on the ground responding to immediate needs?”
Meanwhile, US Congressman Ritchie Torres has led a coalition of Bronx legislators in appealing to the Trump administration to deploy emergency aid and support to Jamaica immediately.
In a letter, the legislators called on Rubio to mobilise US federal resources to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of what they described as “one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.”
“As Bronx elected officials, who represent large Jamaican populations, we write to urge you to provide immediate emergency assistance to Jamaica after being devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The United States and Jamaica have deep economic and cultural ties, and, as friendly neighbors, we must stand with them in their time of need.
“As you know, Hurricane Melissa is recorded to be one of the top five most powerful hurricanes within the Atlantic Ocean, as it topped wind speeds of 185 mph and caused severe damage throughout Jamaica.
“It is currently unclear what the death toll from Hurricane Melissa is, and, because of significant flooding, road closures, downed trees, and landslides, the total may not be known for some time,” the letter notes.
The legislators wrote that it is paramount that the State Department work “with our Jamaican partners to coordinate relief efforts, and to send as many emergency staff as possible to Jamaica to assist in surveying the damage and reconnecting communities.
“Hurricane Melissa blanketed all of Jamaica, and the images coming out are heartbreaking. Clearly, emergency aid is needed to rebuild the electrical grid, health care services, schools, and homes, to name a few.”
The legislators said they were “deeply concerned that the damage from Hurricane Melissa will leave Jamaica with contaminated water, which may lead to disease outbreaks and mental health care issues stemming from the destruction.
“That is why, in addition to providing aid to rebuild complex infrastructure, we urge you to provide Jamaica with the most basic of assistance: food, clean water, fresh clothing, shelter, and mental health care services.
“We strongly urge you to mobilise your Department to provide all necessary staff and aid to help those throughout Jamaica. As Hurricane Melissa is one of the top five most powerful hurricanes to occur in the Atlantic Ocean, time is of the essence to help those in need.”
Meantime, New York State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York, said that his office is working closely with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) to help coordinate relief efforts and deliver much-needed supplies directly to those impacted on the ground.
“As the son of Jamaican immigrants, I have always carried the island in my heart. Like so many in our Central Brooklyn community, my roots, my family, and my story are deeply tied to Jamaica,” said Cunningham in a message to constituents.
“Watching the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa has been both heartbreaking and personal,” he added, stating that the government of Jamaica has shared a list of urgent needs.
Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said her office is launching an Emergency Relief Drive to collect urgently needed supplies that will be shipped directly to Jamaica.
She told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the drive will focus on collecting non-perishable items.
“In times of crisis, we are reminded of the strength and compassion that define our community. Together, we can extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica as they begin this long road to recovery.
“My heart and prayers are also with the families across Cuba and Haiti, who are facing tremendous challenges,” she added.
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