KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United Kingdom Government has announced an additional £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region in recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
This new allocation brings the UK’s total contribution to £7.5 million, following an earlier £2.5 million package announced earlier in the week.
According to a statement from the British High Commission in Jamaica, the funding will provide over 3,000 emergency shelter kits and more than 1,500 solar-powered lanterns to assist families whose homes were damaged or left without power.
The UK is partnering with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Red Cross to ensure relief supplies reach the most affected communities as quickly as possible.
“We know communities across Jamaica are suffering after Hurricane Melissa, with homes and livelihoods destroyed, and loved ones still out of contact,” said British High Commissioner Alicia Herbert. “That’s why the UK has stepped up, with a total of £7.5 million in humanitarian funding to help those most in need.”
“3,000 emergency shelter kits and 1,500 solar-powered lights have already been mobilised, and this new funding means that relief can be expanded across Jamaica,” she added.
Global Support and Coordination
The UK has deployed humanitarian and technical experts to assist with on-the-ground coordination. Prepositioned supplies in Antigua & Barbuda have also been activated to enable rapid deployment.
Some of the funds will be used to match public donations up to £1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) appeal in support of Jamaica.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the increased funding reflects the scale of devastation caused by the storm.
“We are increasing our funding for humanitarian support to ensure we can get shelter kits, solar lamps, and sanitation products to those who need them most,” she said. “We will also match public donations to the Red Cross appeal in support of Jamaica.”
Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas, said the support will help Jamaicans “recover and rebuild stronger,” emphasizing that the contribution will “keep people’s recovery and resilience at the heart of humanitarian action.”
Support for British Nationals
The UK Foreign Office is also coordinating with tour operators and Jamaican authorities to assist British nationals stranded by flight disruptions. A Rapid Deployment Team has arrived in Jamaica to provide consular assistance.
The UK continues to collaborate with regional governments, UN agencies, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in greatest need.
