HAMILTON, Bermuda – Bermuda's government Friday said it was pleased to have contributed to the reconstruction efforts in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa slammed into the country leaving damage estimated at more than US$9.9 million and killing at least 45 people.
National Security Minister visiting Bermuda troops in Jamaica in February (Bermuda government photo)National Security Minister Michael Weeks told Parliament that US$241,385 had been spent in sending a contingent of 27 members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment to Jamaica from February 15-27 this year.
He said the Regiment members were embedded with the Engineer Regiment of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and also worked alongside the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and contingents from the Cayman Island and Turks and Caicos Islands, as part of a coordinated recovery effort.
Weeks said that their primary task was to repair roofs damaged by Hurricane Melissa in the parish of St. Elizabeth, one of the areas most severely impacted by the storm and that the work provided immediate, tangible relief to affected families and helped create the conditions necessary for sustained recovery.
“…this deployment was deliberately structured to ensure that Bermuda’s contribution was practical, focused, and aligned with Jamaica’s identified priorities. The Jamaica Defence Force is leading and coordinating all projects, ensuring that the skills and manpower provided by Bermuda were directed where they were most needed.”
Weekes said that all soldiers deployed on this mission volunteered to do so and that whilst this was a physically demanding deployment for all involved, it provided the opportunity to undertake a focused overseas operational mission.
“All deployed personnel had the opportunity to apply their existing specialist skills and further develop them through practical experience. The deployment also reinforced the strong relationship that the Royal Bermuda Regiment maintains with the Jamaica Defence Force and, with the additional personnel joining from the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the relationship with fellow British Overseas Territories.”
Weeks said along with the Governor, Andrew Murdoch and the National Disaster Coordinator, he visited the soldiers in Jamaica and that “what I saw, Mr Speaker, was a Bermuda contingent of eager, professional and organized soldiers who were making an immense impact on the lives of people in St Elizabeth Parish.
“Mr Speaker, remarkably, our troops were erecting a new roof at a rate of every two days and were doing so with the utmost expertise and palpable enthusiasm. I could see true Bermudian craftsmanship on full display with astounding results. Added to the skill and speed with which our soldiers are working, it was clear to me that their morale was very high and that they were enjoying the opportunity to be of service to their fellow man. All of Bermuda ought to be proud of the efforts of our soldiers on this deployment, as I am.”
Weeks said that by working with the Jamaica Defence Force and the contingents from Guyana, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bermuda is making a huge statement on the international stage about cooperation and collaboration amongst regional partners in times of distress and need.
“Bermuda understands that disaster recovery does not end when the headlines fade. The transition from emergency response to long-term rebuilding is often the most difficult phase. By deploying skilled and disciplined personnel to Jamaica, Bermuda contributed where the need remains real and where our capabilities could make a measurable difference,” he added.
