Joint Statement on Hurricane Melissa Approaching Jamaica
As the Chairs of the APPG for Jamaica and the APPG for the Caribbean, together with the UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean, we wish to express our deepest concern and solidarity with the people of Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa approaches the island.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those already affected by this devastating storm and with the families and friends of those who have already tragically lost their lives.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has established a crisis centre as the Category 5 hurricane moves closer to Jamaica.
Current forecasts indicate that Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall imminently, bringing sustained winds of up to 175 mph, storm surges reaching 4 metres, and intense rainfall.
Testing times lie ahead for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, but we stand united in our commitment to support our friends and partners across the region as they work to rebuild and recover from this catastrophic event.
Dawn Butler MP
Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Jamaica
Juliet Campbell MP
Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Caribbean
Paulette Hamilton MP
UK Trade Envoy to the Commonwealth Caribbean