I have just concluded a visit to Jamaica – to express solidarity and highlight UNOPS willingness to support relief and recovery operations, in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, and across the Caribbean, this category five hurricane has left a trail of extensive damage, impacting nearly six million people.

Specifically in Jamaica, the hurricane has destroyed homes and vital infrastructure amounting to nearly one third of the nation’s GDP from last year.

In the face of immense needs, international support is crucial at this moment.

As part of my visit, I met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and we discussed urgent needs and how UNOPS can support national and regional recovery efforts. We committed to support technical damage assessments and early recovery efforts.

In my visit to the most affected areas, namely Black River, I could witness an unprecedented level of destruction of households, roads, agriculture and infrastructure. But I could also witness the incredible resilience of the people and their aspiration to move quickly to recovery and reconstruction.

As the global community prepares to meet in Brazil this week to discuss the climate crisis, the intensity and destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa is yet another sad reminder of the urgent need to support vulnerable communities to build climate resilience.

In Jamaica and across the Caribbean, UNOPS stands ready to support immediate relief and recovery efforts, restoring critical infrastructure, procuring essential supplies, and enabling resilient recovery.

We are committed to helping the people of Jamaica and others affected to respond to immediate needs, while supporting efforts to build back better, for a more resilient future.