Commentary written by Roberto Morejón *** from Radio Havana Cuba’s Editorial Desk
Amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is in need of international assistance, although it has the advantage of the presence of Cuban healthcare professionals.
While more than 70 percent of customers on the Caribbean island were still without electricity and over a hundred roads remained blocked, the first aid shipments began arriving in Kingston, the capital, including one from Venezuela.
Domestically, the government and the Defense Force are trying to quantify the damage and verify if the death toll, initially set at 28, has increased, but the work is hampered because the Category 5 hurricane left communities isolated and devastated.
Winds of up to 298 kilometers per hour destroyed homes and public facilities, while tens of thousands of fishermen and farmers lost supplies and crops.
In this extremely adverse situation, Jamaicans are relying on the services of hundreds of Cuban collaborators, who, through an agreement between the respective governments, are carrying out their mission, which is recognized by the authorities.
In fact, officials from the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Welfare sent messages of gratitude to the leadership of the Cuban medical brigade deployed there.
Local officials highlighted the Cuban professionals’ dedication in remaining at their posts during Hurricane Melissa.
Many of them had to work without electricity and potable water, which underscores their commitment to the local population.
This is a remarkable achievement to note as we approach 2026, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of this type of cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jamaica last March and resorted to falsehoods, claiming that Cuban doctors are victims of human trafficking.
Rubio, who is attempting to blackmail nations that have health agreements with Havana, threatened to withhold visas from leaders and their families if they did not expel the Cuban medical personnel.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the invaluable assistance provided by these doctors in addressing the country’s healthcare shortage and noted that their presence is in accordance with international agreements.
The support Prime Minister Holness referred to at that time has just been reaffirmed following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa through Jamaica.
[ SOURCE: RADIO HABANA CUBA / EDITORIAL DESK / ROBERTO MOREJON ]
