By Sunday Elijah
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a US$1.1 million donation to support recovery efforts in Jamaica and Haiti following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, according to a statement issued by the bank.
Of the total amount, US$600,000 will be allocated to Jamaica and US$500,000 to Haiti, both of which are Afreximbank member states. The Category 5 hurricane struck parts of the northern Caribbean in October, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods.
Afreximbank said the donation followed separate meetings held on 31 October and 3 November between its president, Dr. George Elombi, and Haitian and Jamaican leaders, including Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council chairman Laurent Saint-Cyr and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
According to the United Nations, Hurricane Melissa affected more than 1.6 million people in Jamaica alone, highlighting the scale of humanitarian and reconstruction needs across the region.
“We commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Jamaica, and other places devastated by Hurricane Melissa,” Elombi said. “While extending our support towards immediate relief efforts, we recognise the scale of damage to vital infrastructure and livelihoods.”
The bank said it would engage with relevant government agencies in both countries through its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Office in Barbados to explore additional financing options aimed at supporting reconstruction and strengthening long-term resilience.
Climate researchers have warned that the intensity of Atlantic hurricanes is increasing due to rising sea temperatures, with Hurricane Melissa described by analysts as among the strongest storms recorded in the region this year.
Afreximbank has previously supported disaster recovery efforts in the Caribbean. In 2024, the bank contributed more than US$500,000 toward relief and rebuilding initiatives in countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, it said.
