Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa

Baroness Benjamin Excerpts

Wednesday 29th October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I compliment the work of CDEMA because it is crucial when these things happen to have a locally co-ordinated response. CDEMA understands the routes between islands, it understands the community, it has very strong connections and it knows how to get things done far more quickly than any multilateral international agency just showing up would, so I echo what the noble Lord says about that. We will continue to work with our partners internationally as this unfolds and we are able to assess exactly what is needed, but it is vital that the Government of Jamaica are in charge of this: they know what is needed and are able to hold the ring on this. They are more than capable of doing that, and we will work closely with them.

On the issue the noble Lord raised about the Caribbean fund, I am looking closely at the moment at our allocations for the next few years, very conscious of the impact that that resilience funding, as I think of it, has been able to achieve so far. That is one of the reasons why hopefully the infrastructure in the region will be able to withstand these events far better—maybe not completely, but better than it has been able to in the past. I will keep that in mind.

[Baroness Benjamin (LD)]

My Lords, overnight in Jamaica, hospitals have been destroyed and need medical supplies and temporary clinics now to treat existing patients and those injured by the hurricane. Thousands of homes have been flattened and residents are now sleeping in their cars. I had a call just this morning telling me this. Britain has close links with the people of Jamaica, who in the past came to help rebuild Britain during the Windrush era. Britain called and they came, so will the Government react with urgency and send not only financial aid, food and medical supplies but vital building materials, resources and construction personnel who can help rebuild the homes and hospitals that are so desperately needed now?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The noble Baroness puts it incredibly powerfully, as I would expect her to. It really matters that people in Jamaica are not expected to live in the hardship that she describes for any longer than is necessary. Of course, we will stand with the Government of Jamaica as they respond initially, but also as they then look at what they need to do to rebuild and reconstruct. As I say, it is really important that the Government of Jamaica lead this. I know they will do a good job, and we will work alongside them to make sure that they are able to get what they need when they need it, and that the island can be rebuilt into the amazing place we all love.