Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, says Jamaica and its people can bounce back bigger and better from Hurricane Melissa, just as his country did after the catastrophic Hurricane Irma in 2017.
“Across our small Caribbean nation, we stand with Jamaica. We are not new to hurricanes, but we know they can be deeply disruptive. When we faced Irma, our sister island, Barbuda, was decimated, yet we did not crumble. We rebuilt, we rose, and we rebuilt bigger and better,” he said.
Speaking while on a tour of some affected areas in Westmoreland on November 17, the prime minister reminded that his country’s response to the devastation illustrates what is possible when Caribbean nations unite.
Noting that Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to Jamaica is concrete, Prime Minister Browne said that linesmen from his country are already on the ground assisting with recovery efforts.
He also confirmed a financial contribution to Jamaica’s relief and recovery programmes. In addition, he said that the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force would deploy soldiers to Jamaica to support recovery work.
Browne encouraged the Jamaican people to persevere, stressing the Caribbean’s collective resilience.
“We, as Caribbean people, have always faced trials together, and this too shall pass,” he added.
He urged international development and financial institutions to provide financing at concessionary rates to support resilient reconstruction, noting that the cost of inaction would be measured in lives and livelihoods.
Browne said that his country’s experience demonstrates that rebuilding can be an opportunity to build back better.
“Antigua and Barbuda is now significantly better than before. And to literally rebuild bigger and better – this is the path for Jamaica, as well, and for all our Caribbean brothers and sisters,” he said.
“We are a small country, but our solidarity is mighty. We will do whatever we can to assist Jamaica and its people, and we will continue to advocate for resilient rebuilding across the Caribbean,” the prime minister said. -JIS
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