By Ayomide Otitoju
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has pledged US$1.1 million to assist Jamaica and Haiti in their recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which struck the northern Caribbean in October, causing widespread devastation.
According to Afreximbank President Dr. George Elombi, US$600,000 of the donation will go to Jamaica, with US$500,000 directed to Haiti. The contributions were announced following separate meetings with Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council Chairman, H.E. Laurent Saint-Cyr, on 31 October, and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on 3 November, where Dr. Elombi extended condolences and reaffirmed the Bank’s support for rebuilding efforts.
In letters of solidarity, Dr. Elombi highlighted Afreximbank’s plans to work with relevant agencies to develop recovery programmes for both countries, with the Bank’s Caribbean Office in Barbados tasked with coordinating further support.
“Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods,” Dr. Elombi said. “We commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Haiti, Jamaica, and other affected areas. We remain committed to supporting recovery, restoration, and building resilience against future climate shocks.”
The United Nations reported that Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 status in Jamaica, affected over 1.6 million people. Experts have linked the storm’s intensity to unusually high Caribbean temperatures, a trend expected to worsen due to climate change.
Afreximbank will continue collaborating with Caribbean governments to explore long-term financing solutions aimed at strengthening resilience, restoring livelihoods, and reinforcing critical infrastructure. In 2024, the Bank contributed over USD 500,000 to relief efforts following Hurricane Beryl, underscoring its ongoing commitment to assisting nations disproportionately impacted by climate-related disasters.
