Hurricane Melissa: Guyana working to safeguard citizens in Jamaica, repatriation plans in place if needed

The Government of Guyana said on Monday it is working to ensure that all Guyanese nationals in Jamaica are safe and able to access emergency assistance as Hurricane Melissa moves toward the island.

Authorities said provisions for relief supplies and emergency repatriation are being arranged in case they are required.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said it continues to monitor developments and is in contact with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to coordinate any potential regional support.

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Melissa has strengthened into a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of about 160 miles per hour. The system is located roughly 130 to 135 miles south-southwest of Kingston, with landfall expected late Monday or Tuesday.

The CDC said Guyana remains on standby to provide assistance, including technical, logistical and relief support, if needed.

The government expressed solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica as they prepare for the storm’s impact and urged citizens across the region to follow official advisories and maintain situational awareness.