KINGSTON, Jamaica — India has delivered 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Jamaica to support the country’s recovery efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. The relief shipment arrived in Kingston on Thursday aboard an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft and was formally handed over to Jamaican officials.
The Indian High Commission in Kingston said the assistance reflects India’s commitment to supporting partners across the Global South. “India stands in solidarity and support with its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family,” the mission posted on X. “India is committed to assistance to Jamaica and partners in the Global South in times of need.”
Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, joined Indian High Commissioner Mayank Joshi and senior Jamaican diplomatic officials at the handover ceremony.
The supplies include generators, tents, bedding, kitchen kits, solar lanterns, hygiene supplies, and a specialized BHISHM medical trauma unit designed for use in field emergencies. The BHISHM system consists of 72 modular boxes that can be assembled into a medical support station capable of handling trauma cases in disaster-affected areas.
A four-member medical team from the Indian Air Force will remain in Jamaica for the next several days to train local medical professionals in operating the BHISHM system.
India has been expanding its disaster-relief cooperation with countries in the Caribbean and is an active member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Earlier this year, India provided an additional relief package valued at roughly JMD 60 million, which included 60 tonnes of supplies such as generators, medical equipment, neonatal incubators, medicines, and solar-powered devices.
Jamaican authorities continue to assess damage from Hurricane Melissa, which brought severe flooding, property destruction, and infrastructure disruptions across multiple regions of the island. (Source: IANS)
