Jamaica thanks the world, now let’s fix those ports

The minister basically said Jamaica would be totally screwed without the global help after the hurricane. Kamina Johnson Smith gave a big thanks to a ton of countries and groups for sending aid. She named a whole list of places, pitching in, from Caribbean neighbors like The Bahamas and Trinidad to bigger players like the United States, China, and the European Union. She also shouted out agencies like the UN and the Red Cross.

She got specific about the help, mentioning things like mobile clinics and mental health support from groups including PAHO and UNICEF. Even private companies in other islands sent stuff. The minister made a point to thank the Jamaican diaspora too, calling them a special part of the effort. She did nod to some problems, admitting there are port delays in Kingston and Montego Bay, slowing things down because of all the extra holiday shipments and relief goods piling up at the same time.

The hurricane hit several parishes hard, causing major damage and loss of life. Johnson Smith also gave props to local groups and businesses in Jamaica that jumped in right away to help their own people. She finished by mentioning the tragic deaths from the storm, offering condolences to all the families affected here and abroad.