Canada’s foreign aid overseer, Randeep Sarai, revealed a $7 million humanitarian relief package for Caribbean nations impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Of this amount, $5 million will be allocated to immediate life-saving assistance provided by emergency response entities and healthcare providers. The remaining $2 million will be channeled to the United Nations World Food Program to aid in the distribution of essential supplies in Jamaica.
In the event that countries request aid, Canada stands prepared to dispatch relief provisions from its emergency inventory through the Red Cross. Sarai emphasized that while Ottawa is currently addressing urgent requirements, they are also committed to assisting the Caribbean in the subsequent recovery phase following the devastating Category 5 hurricane, which led to casualties in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti.
Moreover, Ottawa has supported initiatives aimed at aiding nations like Jamaica in preparing for natural disasters by enhancing emergency strategies and logistical capabilities. Additionally, Canada is actively engaged in efforts to revamp global institutions to enable Caribbean countries to finance climate-resilient infrastructure projects.