I am deeply saddened by the devastation Hurricane Melissa has brought to Jamaica and the wider region. As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Jamaica, and as someone of proud Jamaican heritage, it has been painful to witness the storm’s impact on people’s lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones and those grappling with the aftermath. There are still communities hard to reach. While the full extent of the damage is still unfolding, one thing is clear: this moment calls for solidarity, compassion and most importantly action.
In that spirit, our APPG convened an emergency general meeting with its members and the UK’s Foreign Office to assess the UK response and identify practical ways to support Jamaica’s recovery.
We discussed the mobilisation of UK resources, financial and otherwise, as well as how best to deliver help where it is needed most, including areas that are hardest to reach.
Central to our conversations was the need for close collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, community groups and international aid agencies to ensure effective, coordinated relief efforts.
I am encouraged that the UK Government and our APPG remain firmly committed to working in partnership with these organisations to deliver timely assistance to priority areas. This includes ongoing support for British nationals in Jamaica and members of the Jamaican diaspora here in the UK.
Following these discussions, I hosted a further online meeting for UK residents attended by the Jamaican High Commissioner, His Excellency Alexander Williams, and the Hon. Julian Robinson, Member of Parliament for South East St Andrew. Many other people also attended and the updates and guidance on offer was invaluable to all of those present.
I would like to remind readers that the UK Government has an active crisis centre to support British nationals affected by Hurricane Melissa. Anyone in need of assistance can contact +44 20 7008 5000.
For those wishing to contribute to the wider recovery effort, the Government has launched a dedicated donation portal. Details can be found on the UK Government’s website. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help communities heal, rebuild and look towards a brighter future. In one of Jamaica’s most challenging moments, any generosity can make a meaningful difference.
Several attendees to our meeting called for temporary visa flexibility for UK-based families with relatives in Jamaica. Specifically, there were appeals to waive or ease visa fees and entry requirements for elderly relatives and children who may need to stay temporarily with their family members in the UK until Jamaica is back on its feet.
I have therefore written to the UK Government urging them to consider introducing a temporary humanitarian visa arrangement or fee waiver for affected Jamaican nationals with close family ties in the UK. This would be a welcome step, and I will continue my efforts on this important issue.
I have also written to certain airlines, after receiving requests from constituents and community groups asking whether companies might consider a temporary increase or leniency in baggage allowances for passengers travelling to Jamaica in the coming months as well as a reduction in fare charges. This would enable individuals the opportunity to carry essential items for relatives and aid efforts directly, providing much-needed relief while formal distribution channels continue to be established.
As Chair, I want to extend my gratitude to the government minister, FCDO representatives and the Jamaica High Commission for the work we have done so far. We stand united in our determination to lead efforts in Parliament and beyond to support Jamaica through this urgent period of recovery and rebuilding.
The work doesn’t end there. We will be regularly monitoring the situation on the ground, and we will arrange further meetings as the situation evolves. If you are interested in future meetings, please visit my website and sign up for updates via the Jamaica page in my news section.
I have been so proud and moved by how communities here in the UK have rallied to support Jamaica. In Brent – where I am honoured to represent among others a large and vibrant Jamaican community – the solidarity has been inspiring. It reaffirms what I already knew: our diversity is our strength.
I am proud that ties between Jamaica and the UK are deep and enduring. Even in this difficult moment, we must continue to honour Jamaica’s resilience, its rich and powerful heritage, and its extraordinary global contributions. I carry that legacy with pride every single day.
I have long been clear that the UK has a responsibility to Jamaica – not only in moments of crisis but in acknowledging the need for reparatory justice. Offering relief in times of need is the very least we can and should do. That larger conversation about the UK’s responsibilities should and must be held.
Testing times lie ahead for Jamaica and the wider region, but we remain steadfast in our support for our friends and partners across the region as they work to rebuild and recover from this catastrophic event.
As we enter the Christmas and festive season, let us hold in our thoughts and prayers all those in Jamaica who are still struggling, still rebuilding and still in need. And let’s redouble our efforts to help.