UN pledges support to Jamaica

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and United Nations Office for Project Services' (UNOPS) Executive Director, Jorge Moreira da Silva, has pledged strong international support for Jamaica's recovery and rebuilding efforts.

"I have just concluded a visit to Jamaica -- to express solidarity and highlight UNOPS' willingness to support relief and recovery operations, in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa," da Silva said in a statement issued following his visit.

The UNOPS is the UN's infrastructure, procurement, and project management arm. It supports governments and partners worldwide to deliver sustainable development projects -- including the construction of roads, hospitals, schools, and renewable energy systems -- and plays a key role in helping countries recover from natural disasters and crises.

Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane which swept through Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, has left widespread destruction across the Caribbean, affecting nearly six million people.

"Specifically in Jamaica, the hurricane has destroyed homes and vital infrastructure amounting to nearly one-third of the nation's GDP from last year," he said.

Da Silva noted that the scale of damage demands urgent global assistance. "In the face of immense needs, international support is crucial at this moment," he said.

During his trip, the UNOPS head met with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness to discuss immediate priorities and areas for collaboration. "We committed to support technical damage assessments and early recovery efforts," he stated.

He also toured some of the hardest-hit areas, including Black River in St Elizabeth, where he witnessed both the devastation and the determination of residents to rebuild.

"In my visit to the most affected areas, namely Black River, I could witness an unprecedented level of destruction of households, roads, agriculture and infrastructure. But I could also witness the incredible resilience of the people and their aspiration to move quickly to recovery and reconstruction."

Da Silva's visit comes as global leaders prepare to convene in Brazil to address the escalating climate crisis. He emphasised that the storm's destruction serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent climate action.

"The intensity and destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa is yet another sad reminder of the urgent need to support vulnerable communities to build climate resilience."

Reaffirming UNOPS' long-term commitment, da Silva said: "In Jamaica and across the Caribbean, UNOPS stands ready to support immediate relief and recovery efforts, restoring critical infrastructure, procuring essential supplies, and enabling resilient recovery.

"We are committed to helping the people of Jamaica and others affected to respond to immediate needs, while supporting efforts to build back better, for a more resilient future," he added.