Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Government ordered sending a humanitarian assistance mission to Jamaica, after the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in compliance with the instructions of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, and as an expression of the solidarity commitment of the Dominican Republic with the peoples of the Caribbean,
Likewise, the Government reported that the necessary coordination is being carried out with the competent authorities so that Operation “Caribbean Solidarity” can extend its reach to Cuba and Haiti, nations that were also affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, reaffirming the country’s commitment to regional cooperation without borders.
Operation “Caribbean Solidarity”—coordinated through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Public Health, together with the Directorate of Social Assistance and Community Food (DASAC) and PROMESE/CAL— contemplates the sending of more than one million five hundred thousand (1,500,000) pounds of humanitarian aid, consisting of food rations, medical supplies and basic necessities, transported by two boats and one aircraft.
The support contingent is made up of:
- A transport plane of the Dominican Republic Air Force, in charge of the initial shipment of essential food and medicines.
- A ship of the Dominican Republic Navy, which reinforces logistical transportation and direct maritime support.
- A larger capacity ship, hired especially for this mission, which will transport the bulk of the food rations and assistance materials.
Items shipped include rations raw food, medications, mattresses, mosquito nets, sheet sets, mats, and other basic necessities, intended to address the urgent conditions of families affected by the atmospheric phenomenon.
You can read: Hurricane Melissa: At least 28 dead and catastrophic damage in Jamaica
The Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, ERD highlighted that this operation “represents the spirit of solidarity and the permanent willingness of the Dominican Armed Forces to come to the aid of the brother peoples of the region in emergency situations.”
On your side, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Álvarezstressed that “with this action, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its commitment to Caribbean cooperation and the principles of unity, peace and mutual support that strengthen regional integration.”
The director of the DASAC, Edgar Augusto Féliz Méndez, He explained that the rations sent contain essential products to meet the immediate needs of the affected families. “Following the instructions of President Luis Abinader, this operation reflects the solidarity vocation of the Dominican people, always willing to lend a hand in difficult times,” he said.
Likewise, the authorities of the Ministry of Public Health and PROMESE/CAL They reported that the shipment includes medicines, medical supplies and basic hygiene items to support emergency health care efforts in Jamaican territory.
Solidarity without borders
With this action, the Dominican Republic reaffirms its active and supportive role in regional humanitarian response efforts, promotingCooperation between Caribbean countries in the face of the effects of climate change and natural disasters, under the leadership of President Luis Abinader, who promotes a foreign policy based on solidarity, shared responsibility and brotherhood between nations.
