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Pres. Ali puts GDF, CDC on standby
….as deadly Hurricane Melissa bears down on Jamaica
(Kaieteur News) – The government is closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Melissa, which is now threatening Jamaica, where several Guyanese students and nationals reside.
President Irfaan Ali
In a statement on Sunday, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to remain in direct communication with Guyanese living in Jamaica to ensure their safety and well-being. “I want to assure all of you that I am in contact with the officials in Jamaica. I’ve asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also to be fully engaged. We are also working with the private sector to get some level of support to the students and any vulnerable families in Jamaica”, President Ali stated.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, has been mandated to engage Guyana’s Honourary Consul and reach out to students and other nationals to assess their needs and coordinate any necessary support, including care packages.
Government officials have also been in steady contact with both the Jamaican Government and emergency services on the island.
Meanwhile, President Ali has further directed the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to be on standby for deployment, should assistance be required. “I have also sent a letter to the Government of Jamaica, telling them that the Guyana Defence Force and the CDC is fully mobilised and stand ready to support every effort in this very dangerous situation”, the president underscored.
President Ali emphasised the importance of remaining calm and united, assuring that firm mechanisms are in place to assist Guyanese affected by the storm. The president has reaffirmed Guyana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and assured that the government is prepared to offer help in the wake of any potential impact. Students or nationals in Jamaica seeking assistance or information are encouraged to contact the Permanent Secretary at 592-611-0345 or via email at ps@minfor.gov.gy.
Meanwhile, in a statement of its own the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said they are closely monitoring the movement and potential impact of Hurricane Mellissa across the Caribbean. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Governments and peoples of the affected and threatened territories, including the many Guyanese who live, work, and study throughout the region. We stand in unwavering solidarity with all those preparing for and confronting this powerful storm.”
The PNCR/APNU said “We note the actions taken by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to maintain contact with our nationals abroad and to prepare emergency support where necessary. The PNCR/APNU reaffirms its readiness to cooperate fully and to contribute meaningfully to any national or regional relief and humanitarian efforts that may be required. This is a time for unity, compassion, and collective resolve. As members of the wider Caribbean family, we must continue to support one another and work together to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of all our citizens both at home and across the diaspora. The PNCR/APNU extends prayers for the safety, strength, and protection of everyone in the path of Hurricane Mellissa. We remain confident that the indomitable spirit, resilience, and solidarity of the Caribbean people will once again prevail in the face of adversity,” the statement concluded.
Hurricane Melissa, which rapidly intensified overnight, has reached Category 4 with sustained winds of 140 mph, according to the US National Hurricane Center. The system is expected to strengthen into a rare Category 5 hurricane by late Sunday or early Monday. The center of the storm is currently located about 110 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica and the storm is moving westward at 3 mph.
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Hang in there Jamaica, you are in a Hurricane Zone.
Big Brother of the Caribbean, our very own Irfan Ali, President of Guyana
is sending help if, when needed.
It is what we do in crisis like Hurricanes- assisting our” brothers & sisters”.