Category: CANA News

The Trump administration says it is providing an initial US$24 million in ’emergency, life-saving assistance’ for Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and ‘the people of Cuba’ to assist those affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa when it passed through the region last week.

The aid announcement comes as several US lawmakers, including US Senate Democratic Leader, Charles ‘Chuck’ Schumer, appealed to the administration to do much more to assist hurricane-ravaged Caribbean countries.

The State Department said that the funding will be used to provide shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, food assistance, and emergency healthcare. It said the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in Jamaica continues to assess the situation and determine future needs.

Since the Category 5 hurricane hit the Caribbean countries, the State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorsed US$12 million for assistance in Jamaica, US$8.5 million in assistance in Haiti, thee million US dollars for ‘the people of Cuba’, and US$500,000 for assistance in the Bahamas.

The State Department said the category 5 storm had caused widespread damage, hospital evacuations, and flooding across the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where fatalities were reported. The storm’s path also includes The Bahamas and Bermuda.

It said President Trump had authorised ‘an immediate US response, directing the Department of State to mobilize support for affected communities.

‘Within hours, Secretary Rubio deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team, including urban search-and-rescue teams, to assess needs and provide search and recovery assistance,’ it said, stating that it is collaborating with United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and host governments to deliver food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and search and rescue support.

But, Schumer said he had sent a letter to Rubio, stating that ‘officials in the Caribbean have reported early assessments of damage to be widespread, where homes and buildings have collapsed, roadways have been demolished, parishes are completely underwater and currently 77 per cent of Jamaica remains without power.

‘Concerted recovery efforts and humanitarian assistance are imperative in the coming days to save lives and sustain populations in the short term as Jamaica and the wider Caribbean begin reconstruction,’ he wrote in the letter.

‘We welcome the State Department’s announcement of available warehouses from which lifesaving aid can be distributed as well as on the creation of a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in the region.

‘This is an important first step, but critical and urgent action is needed to ensure resources are effectively and efficiently mobilised to victims who need it in the immediate and longer-term aftermath of this disaster.’

Schumer said that given that this is the first major disaster in the Caribbean since the closure of USAID ‘which held the expertise and capacity to quickly, efficiently and meaningful respond to these exact scenarios, we write with the following key questions.

‘How many personnel has the Department mobilized as part of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), including those from the Urban Search and Resue team? Where are they stationed and how long will they be there? What direction and mandate have the DART been given? Who is responsible for leading and coordinating hurricane response for the US Government?

‘How is the Department coordinating with the Department of Defense’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capacities to mobilize assets and support in region, including the increased assets recently mobilized in the region? How is the State Department mobilizing health experts, including those at the Department of Defense and Center for Disease Control, to respond to health needs to affected countries?

‘Given the millions of dollars of humanitarian aid that the administration has refused to spend, how does the administration plan to mobilize humanitarian funding quickly to partners on the ground responding to immediate needs?’

Meanwhile, US Congressman Ritchie Torres has led a coalition of legislators in the Bronx, New York in appealing to the Trump administration to immediately deploy emergency aid and support to Jamaica.

In a letter, the legislators called on Rubio to mobilise US federal resources to assist Jamaica in the aftermath of what they described as ‘one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.’

‘As Bronx elected officials, who represent large Jamaican populations, we write to urge you to provide immediate emergency assistance to Jamaica after being devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The United States and Jamaica have deep economic and cultural ties, and, as friendly neighbors, we must stand with them in their time of need.

‘As you know, Hurricane Melissa is recorded to be one of the top five most powerful hurricanes within the Atlantic Ocean, as it topped wind speeds of 185 mph and caused severe damaged throughout Jamaica.

‘It is currently unclear what the death toll from Hurricane Melissa is; and, because of significant flooding, road closures, downed trees, and landslides, the total may not be known for some time,’ the letter notes.

The legislators wrote that it is paramount that the State Department work ‘with our Jamaican partners to coordinate relief effort, and to send as many emergency staff as possible to Jamaica to assist in surveying the damage and reconnecting communities.

‘Hurricane Melissa blanketed all of Jamaica, and the images coming out are heartbreaking. Clearly, emergency aid is needed to rebuild electrical grid, health care services, schools, and homes to name a few.’

The legislators said they were ‘deeply concerned that the damage from Hurricane Melissa will leave Jamaica with contaminated water, which may lead to disease outbreaks and mental health care issues stemming from the destruction.

‘That is why, in addition to providing aid to rebuild hard infrastructure, we urge you to provide Jamaica with the most basic of assistance: food, clean water, fresh clothing, shelter and mental health care services.

‘We strongly urge you to mobilise your department to provide all necessary staff and aid to help those throughout Jamaica. As Hurricane Melissa is one of the top five most powerful hurricanes to occur in the Atlantic Ocean, time is of the essence to help those in need.’

Meantime, New York State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York, said that his office is working closely with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) to help coordinate relief efforts and deliver much-needed supplies directly to those impacted on the ground.

‘As the son of Jamaican immigrants, I have always carried the island in my heart. Like so many in our Central Brooklyn community, my roots, my family, and my story are deeply tied to Jamaica,’ said Cunningham in a message to constituents.

‘Watching the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa has been both heartbreaking and personal,’ he added, stating that the government of Jamaica has shared a list of urgent needs.

Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said her office is launching an Emergency Relief Drive to collect urgently needed supplies that will be shipped directly to Jamaica.

She told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the drive will focus on collecting non perishable items.

‘In times of crisis, we are reminded of the strength and compassion that define our community.Together, we can extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica as they begin this long road to recovery.

‘My heart and prayers are also with the families across Cuba and Haiti, who are facing tremendous challenges,’ she added.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) Wednesday said there will be a decrease of tropical cyclone activity and of excessively hot and humid days in November as the Caribbean transitions into the dry and cool seasons in December.

It said that a shift to La Niña conditions, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, caused by stronger trade winds, combined with continued unusual warmth in the Subtropical North Atlantic, increases uncertainty in the seasonal forecast.

‘Nevertheless, the outlook suggests steady decrease of tropical cyclone activity and of excessively hot and humid days in November, high rainfall intensity and shower frequency in the ABC Islands, Belize, the Lesser Antilles through November or December, resulting in high to extremely high potential for flooding, flash floods, cascading hazards and associated impacts.’

CariCOF, which released its latest edition of Caribbean Climate Outlooks looking at the three month period November to January next year, said that the outlook for the region also suggests increasing dry spell frequency in The Bahamas and Greater Antilles as well as the appearance of drought impacts by the end of January in locations with ongoing drought.

It said that as at the end of October, severe or short term drought has developed throughout the Windward Islands, as well as in Aruba, parts of the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, while long term drought will occur in southwest Dominica, northern Jamaica, parts of northern Guyana, St. Croix and St. Vincent.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) is denying reports of unauthorized American military activity on the island, saying that the presence of Canadian military officials are as a result of the planning process for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held here next year.

In a statement, the ABDF said that there has been ‘no confirmation or authorization of American soldiers conducting surveys or operations within the city of St. John’s or any other part of the island..

Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey, on her arrival in Antigua and Barbuda

‘The Canadian military personnel currently on island are present as part of ongoing collaborative planning and preparatory exercises in support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting CHOGM 2026,’ the ABDF said, adding that the partnership between the two countries forms part of a broader framework of cooperation aimed at strengthening local readiness, coordination, and security planning in anticipation of the high-profile international event.

The ABDF reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety, security, and smooth execution of CHOGM 2026.

‘The public is encouraged to rely on official communication channels of the ABDF for verified information and to refrain from spreading or acting upon unconfirmed reports,’ the statement said.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey arrived here for the planning meeting saying ‘it is a pleasure to be in Antigua and Barbuda as we take the first steps on our shared journey towards CHOGM 2026.

‘I look forward to meeting leaders, young people, and communities here to celebrate the spirit of collaboration that drives us all, and to build momentum for a CHOGM that delivers real impact and shared prosperity across our 56 member states,’ she added.

During her visit, the Secretary-General will meet with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

‘Hosting CHOGM 2026 presents tremendous opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda, from strengthening trade and investment to building new partnerships across the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General’s visit helps set the stage for a successful summit that will deliver real benefits to our people,’ said Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Karen-Mae Hill.

The minority opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has tabled a motion in the National Assembly seeking to amend the Representation of the People Act as a first move to have voters digitally verified before they are allowed to cast ballots in the 2030 general and regional elections.

‘This motion seeks to strengthen the integrity of Guyana’s electoral system by requiring biometric verification of voters at the time of voting. It is intended to prevent voter impersonation, reduce the need for extensive scrutineering by political parties, particularly smaller ones, and restore public confidence in the credibility of election outcomes,’ APNU parliamentarian, Dr Terrence Campbell, said in a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly met for the first time on Monday since the Septemer1 regional and general election that resulted in the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) being returned to office for another five year term.

However, the APNU, which formed the main opposition in the last parliament lost that position to the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), whose leader, Azrrudin Mohamed, is seeking to be sworn in as Opposition Leader.

In the motion, the APNU, whose main party is the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) that once governed the country, said that the use of modern biometric technologies, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, has proven effective in many democracies worldwide in preventing voter fraud and ensuring that only duly registered electors cast ballots;

The opposition party is hoping that the implementation of such technologies will reduce the administrative and financial burdens on political parties, while simultaneously enhancing the credibility, transparency, and integrity of elections in Guyana.

The motion also notes that the 2025 general and regional elections were similarly marred by allegations of voter impersonation and other irregularities which have called into question the integrity of the results, and smaller political parties, in particular, face significant challenges in recruiting, training, and remunerating scrutineers to monitor the voting process and guard against voter impersonation.

The opposition party wants the Irfaan Ali government to amend Section 69 of the Representation of the People Act, to include a new provision requiring that every voter, prior to casting his or her ballot, shall produce such additional evidence as may be determined by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to establish, by means of fingerprint or facial recognition, that the person is the registered voter whose name and voter identification number appear in the Official List of Electors.

It also calls on the government, in consultation with GECOM to take the necessary legislative, technical, and administrative steps to give effect to that amendment in time for the next regional and general elections.

The National Assembly on Monday adjourned without fixing a date for the next meeting.

The United Nations says an estimated six million people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa, the category 5 storm which swept across the Caribbean last week, prompting UN agencies to scale up relief operations to safeguard livelihoods and reduce further losses.

The UN said Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica all suffered extensive damage and loss of life as a result of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking from the Jamaican capital, Kingston, the UN’s World Food Programme’s (WFP) Alexis Masciarelli said the immediate priority is ‘to reach the most isolated communities’.

Communities in Jamaica are cleaning up following the passage of the hurricane last week

Masciarelli said WFP has launched emergency food distributions for the hardest-hit families, and that additional relief supplies are scheduled to arrive in the coming days.

WFP said the parish of St. Elizabeth – long regarded as the country’s breadbasket -has been particularly hard hit, with homes, farms, and livelihoods destroyed, and many communities still cut off and without power.

The UN said, so far, 1,500 people have received food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish and meat, and vegetable oil, while an additional 2,000 kits were airlifted from Barbados to support ongoing relief efforts.

The UN said WFP plans to assist up to 200,000 people in Jamaica to meet urgent food needs.

In Cuba, the UN said Hurricane Melissa caused widespread flooding, power outages, and significant damage.

Food distributions have already reached 181,000 people evacuated to shelters, with the WFP aiming to assist a total of 900,000 people, the UN said, adding that in Haiti, homes and infrastructure along the southern coast – the hardest hit area – have been washed away.

The UN said emergency food distributions have reached 12,700 people across the Grand Sud region.

WFP said it plans to assist 190,000 people, offering a two-week food ration followed by a month of cash assistance to support recovery.

Masciarelli emphasised that the main challenge ahead is reaching people ‘in the last mile – those who need help the most in areas that remain inaccessible’.

In addition, he highlighted the ongoing communication breakdown, with many areas still cut off after the hurricane, making it difficult to assess people’s needs and track the situation day by day.

Reiterating WFP’s commitment to meeting people’s food needs and supporting relief efforts, the WFP spokesperson recognized that the recovery period would most likely be a ‘very long marathon recovery period’.

Last Wednesday, WFP launched an urgent appeal for US$74 million to deliver life-saving assistance to up to 1.1 million people across the Caribbean.

The Guyana government says the global environment is impacting the revenue of the oil and rice industries, but remain confident that the country’s economic projections would be met.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh during the first sitting of the Parliament following the September 1 regional and general election, tabled the mid-year economic report showing that the international environment was having an effect on the industries.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh tabling the economic mid year report during the first sitting of Parliament on Monday.

According to the report, the country’s oil revenues barely increased during the first half of this year due to a reduction in international oil prices, even as the sector is projected to grow this year with the start of production by the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at Yellowtail in the Stabroek Block.

‘Crude oil prices are anticipated to come in at 15.7 per cent below the 2024 level, to average US$68 per barrel in 2025, lower than the US$71.9 per barrel projected at the time of preparing Budget 2025,’ according to the mid-year report.

The actual Brent crude futures on Monday rose 12 cents to US$64.89 per barrel. Morgan Stanley raised its Brent crude forecast for the first half of 2026 to US$60 a barrel from US$57.50, citing the decision by OPEC+ to pause quota hikes in the first quarter of next year and recently on Russian oil assets.

The mid-year report notes that in addition to the overall projected 15.6 per cent growth in the oil sector due to earlier-than-anticipated production at Yellowtail, output would result in Guyana projecting to increase the number of lifts of profit oil from 31 to 33.

As a result of that, Guyana’s petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$2,512.4 million, only marginally higher than the US$2,503 million projected at the time of preparing the 2025 National Budget, ‘on account of lower crude oil prices’.

In terms of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), the mid-year report states that US$2,463.9 million is expected to be withdrawn from the fund this year and as a result, the NRF closing balance is estimated to stand at US$3,248.8 million at the end of this year.

The mid-year report states that the oil and gas industry is estimated to have expanded by 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2025. Production in the first six months of the year totalled 115.7 million barrels, compared with 113.5 million barrels over the same period last year.

With the three producing projects in the Stabroek Block, the mid-year report states that the daily production averaged nearly 640,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first half of this year, compared with approximately 624,000 bpd in the first half of last year.

It report further states that the moderation in the production rate on the Destiny FPSO from about 157,000 bpd last year, to 142,000 bpd this year, was offset by increased production rates on the Unity and Prosperity FPSOs to 246,000 bpd and 252,000 bpd, respectively.

With regards to the rice industry, the mid-year report notes that while efforts are continuing to secue markets in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, the international price of the grain is expected to slump far below government’s projections.

According to the document, rice prices are also expected to decline, averaging US$406 per metric tonne this year, 31 per cent lower year-on-year, and markedly lower than the US$530 per metric tonne projected at the time of preparing the 2025 National Budget.

At the same time, the mid-year economic report states that the production target for the full year remains 804,000 tonnes of rice equivalent, with a growth target of 12.4 percent, buttressed by continued support to farmers and renewed efforts to secure new and more attractive markets.

The mid-year economic report also states that rice prices declined by 30.5 per cent during January to June this year, averaging US$434.2 per metric tonne, on account of growing production and unlocked inventories in major exporting countries such as India, with additional downward pressure from a new harvest in Vietnam.

According to the mid-year report, the rice growing industry is estimated to have grown by 13.9 percent in the first half of 2025.

It said that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported production of 410,194 tonnes of rice equivalent in the first six months of this year, compared with 362,030 tonnes in the first half of 2024.

On account of favourable weather conditions, the mid-year report says the yield achieved for the first crop of 2025 was 6.6 tonnes per hectare, aligning with what was achieved in the first crop of last year.

The government said it provided fertiliser support of two billion Guyana dollars (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) to nearly 5,300 farmers.

Pesticide support was also provided to manage the paddy for bug infestation benefiting over 2,352 farmers, at the end of June.

-Prime Minister Phillip Davis, says he is ‘heartbroken’ after 16 year-old Saint Augustine’s College student, Madeline Thompson, plunged to her death after she fell from the 27th floor of a hotel while attending an international robotics competition in Central America over the last weekend.

‘Ann and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Madeline Thompson, a bright and beloved student of St. Augustine’s College, whose life ended far too soon while representing her school and country in Panama,’ Davis said in a statement posted on social media.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, Jerome and Shenique Thompson, her family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire St. Augustine’s College community.

We can only imagine the pain and grief they are enduring in this unimaginable moment.’

The St Augustine’s College had confirmed the death of the student during a school trip to Panama City, where the school was participating in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.

‘It is with the deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that St Augustine’s College confirms the tragic passing of one of our students in Panama City,’ the school said in a statement, adding that the delegation was accompanied by a parent, a chaperone, the principal, and members of the faculty..

‘The loss is felt profoundly by our entire school family. Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with the student’s family, loved ones, classmates, teachers, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time,’ the statement added.

The school said it is in close communication with Panamanian authorities and is providing support where needed.

The media in Panama said that the incident occurred last Friday when the teenager fell from the 27th floor to the 12th landing in the hotel’s social area where the pool is located. Local reports said she was sharing a room with two classmates at the time.

Prime Minister Davis said the student was known for her kindness, her faith, and her spirit of service qualities that shone through in her volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Parish Soup Kitchen and in every space she touched.

‘Her light brought warmth to many and will be deeply missed. Ann and I pray that God grants her family strength and comfort in the days ahead, and that her memory lives on as a reminder of the goodness, promise, and hope that define the best of our Bahamian youth.’

Director General of Foreign Affairs, Jerusa Ali, said that Bahamian officials are in touch with government officials in Panama.

‘It’s really a tragedy. We are in contact with the organizers of the event, it was a robotics event for school-age children. We’re also in contact with our honorary council in Panama who’s spoken with Panamanian officials and who’s spoken with the family of Ms. Thompson,’ Ali said.

‘We have a network of honorary councils, including one in Panama, who we rely on for consular assistance when we have a death of a Bahamian national or somebody who’s

The St Joseph’s Parish here described the student as a ‘cherished member of our parish family who served faithfully at the St Joseph’s Soup Kitchen every Saturday.

‘Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and willingness to help others reflected the love of Christ in all she did,’ the St. Joseph Parish said in a statement, adding ‘we join her parents.loved ones, and the entire St Augustine’s College community in mourning this heartbreaking loss’.

Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Tuesday said that next year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) provides an opportunity for accelerating partnerships and investment for the 56-member grouping.

Addressing the launch of the CHOGM, which will be held here from November 1-4, Botchwey said the event provides also an opportunity for the leaders of one-third of the global community to come together to discuss the world’s challenges and to shape its future.

‘Each CHOGM is a reflection of its time, and the next one, in 2026, will be a turning point. We gather at a moment of extraordinary global strain. The multilateral system is under pressure. Trust is fraying. Climate impacts are intensifying. Debt and inequality weigh heavily.

Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Tuesday addressing the launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Confference to be held in Antigua next year.

‘And yet, amid all this turbulence, the Commonwealth endures, as a force for connection, for conscience, and for cooperation,’ she added.

She said that the CHOGM matters deeply because the world needs what the gruping offers, namely ‘a spirit of fraternity that bridges divides; a platform where nations large and small, developed and developing, speak and act as equals; and a community that has always believed that progress for one must mean progress for all.

‘As we look ahead to St John’s 2026, we do so with a clear purpose to make this CHOGM more decisive and impactful than ever before,’ she said, noting that the theme ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,’ offers us the platform to achieve that.

‘It captures the spirit of partnership and enterprise that defines the modern Commonwealth. Because we are building bridges of opportunity between governments and business, between people and ideas, to deliver tangible results for our citizens. This must be a summit of delivery: rooted in our shared plan, and focused on the issues that bind us, democracy, trade, climate action, and opportunity for all.’

Botchwey said that in every region, democracy is under strain, yet the Commonwealth’s commitment to it is unshakeable.

‘We will work together to renew it not only as a system of government, but a living reality in people’s lives,’ she said, noting also that trade and investment , remains the lifeblood of prosperity.

‘Our shared language, legal systems and trust mean that trade among Commonwealth countries is on average 21 per cent cheaper. That is our Commonwealth advantage and my mission is to turn that advantage into growth, resilience, and jobs across all our regions.

‘The road to CHOGM will therefore focus on building deeper trade and investment partnerships, especially those that unlock the potential of our small and vulnerable states.’

Botchwey, a native of Ghana, who became the first African woman to be elected to the post when she assumed office in April this year, said that the issue of climate change is very important to the grouping ‘because no other issue will shape our collective future more profoundly.

‘From here in the Caribbean to the Pacific, from Africa to the Arctic, Commonwealth nations are on the frontlines of climate impacts. We must stand together to mobilise finance, drive the clean energy transition, and protect the security and dignity of our people.’

She said the Commonwealth is also providing an opportunity for women, young people, and communities everywhere.

‘A renewed Commonwealth must be a Commonwealth of inclusion, one that unleashes the ideas, energy and innovation of our 2.7 billion citizens,’ she said, adding that ‘this journey to CHOGM 2026 is also a journey of reform.

‘We are modernising the way CHOGM works to ensure that it delivers not just declarations, but decisions that make a tangible difference in the lives of our people. I am determined that when leaders gather here, they will leave with a shared sense of achievement and a renewed commitment to stand and work together.’.

She said that a Commonwealth renewed in purpose, confident in its identity, and ambitious in its vision for the world is what that is being set out on the road to CHOGM 2026.

Meanwhile, former West Indies cricket captain and Antigua and Barbuda National Hero, Sir Vivian Richards has been announced as the CHOGM 2026 Envoy.

‘To have the entire Commonwealth family gather here in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026 will make it more than a meeting. It will be a statement and a moment of immense pride for the hospitable people of our small islands.

‘We look forward to showcasing that the same spirit which drove us to success on the cricket pitch still runs strong in our people, our culture, and the future we want to collectively build with 56 Commonwealth countries. We are ready to welcome the Commonwealth and its leaders – with passion, a

The United Nations Tuesday said that at least 30 people have died as a result of Hurricane Melissa when it caused widespread damage in Haiti last week.

The UN Deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told the daily UN briefing that the UN and its partners ‘continue to carry out assessments of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Melissa and are ramping up our efforts to reach people in need.

‘According to the authorities, at least 30 people have died,’ he said, adding that joint assessments by the Haitian government, the UN and ‘our humanitarian partners continue in the Grand ‘Anse department and will expand to other affected departments in the coming days.

‘Despite a severe lack of funding, access challenges and logistical conditions, we and our partners remain committed to stay and deliver life-saving assistance to those most in need,’ Haq said, adding that United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to work closely with authorities and partners to ensure ‘a coherent, efficient and well-coordinated response, facilitating information sharing and supporting collective efforts to reach affected populations’

He said that the US$908 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is just over 21 per cent funded, with US$195 million received so far.

Haq said with regards to Jamaica, OCHA reports that more than 1.5 million people – over half of the country’s population – have been affected, facing the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

‘OCHA tells us that infrastructure has been severely damaged. More than 130 roads have been blocked, while power and communication networks have been disrupted. Access to some western parishes remains difficult due to roads being blocked by debris as well as fuel shortages.

‘We and our humanitarian partners continue to support the government’s efforts to restore access, strengthen health surveillance and ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need.’

Haq said that health services are under heavy strain and that several hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, including the hospital in the town of Black River.

He said this has prompted the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with further support planned.

‘PAHO has also deployed a mental health and psychosocial support specialist to support children and health workers. Hospitals report having only a few days’ worth of food supplies, as well as critical shortages of water and fuel for electricity, which are affecting their ability to deliver care.’

Haq said that the World Food Programme estimates that up to 360,000 people may require food assistance. Meanwhile, UNICEF and its partners are working to restore safe water and sanitation services, particularly in shelters and affected communities.

The St. Lucia government Tuesday said that it has received approval for a US$20 million loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of Taiwan (Eximbank) to expand access to affordable housing and strengthen essential community infrastructure.

The facility, to be on-lent through the St. Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), will help low- to medium-income St. Lucians build or improve their homes, while financing housing infrastructure such as solar PV systems, drainage upgrades, and water tanks, ensuring that new developments are modern, climate-resilient, and sustainable.

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre

A government statement said that the Exim-Bank facility builds on a series of major housing initiatives already underway including the EC$54 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) NIC-guaranteed SLDB housing loan facility approved by the Parliament in September last year and providing eligible public servants with 100 per cent loan financing.

It also allows for an EC$1,000 grant toward legal fees and a stamp-duty waiver on the first EC$400,000 of residential loans.

The government is also providing EC$10 million National Housing Project and reinstated the two million dollar Distress Fund assists families affected by fires and natural disasters.

The government has also removed the value added tax (VAT) on selected building materials, including cement, lumber, and galvanise, to lower construction and renovation costs.

‘Through smart financing, targeted investment, and practical social support, the government of St. Lucia is incrementally removing the barriers that have kept many families from owning a home and building a housing framework that delivers real, lasting results,’ the statement said.