GDF advances reconstruction in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa

GDF personnel building a roof

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has completed the reconstruction of 26 residential roofs in Jamaica as part of Guyana’s disaster relief and recovery mission following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, the force said on Friday.

The mission, led by the Government of Guyana in support of the Government and people of Jamaica, has moved from emergency assistance to a reconstruction phase, following a commitment by President and Commander-in-Chief Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Guyana’s initial assistance began with the deployment of a three-member GDF team, led by Captain (Coast Guard) Vernon Burnett, MSM, which handed over emergency relief supplies to Jamaican authorities. The operation later expanded into longer-term recovery efforts, focusing on the reconstruction of 200 residential roofs for vulnerable families, particularly in the parish of Westmoreland.

An advance contingent of 26 GDF engineering ranks was deployed to Jamaica to receive construction materials, establish a forward operating base at Luana Base Camp and prepare homes for rebuilding, in coordination with the Jamaica Defence Force. The team was later reinforced by an additional 15 engineering ranks, bringing total deployed personnel to 41.

The combined contingent includes specialists in carpentry, construction and project management, allowing work to proceed simultaneously on multiple homes. Reconstruction activities include roof demolition, framing, zinc sheet installation and ridge cap installation, with additional houses currently being assessed for repairs.

The GDF said it will remain in Jamaica until all assigned reconstruction works are completed, describing the mission as part of Guyana’s commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).