Letter of the Day | Let us emulate Cayman’s example of national unity

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In a remarkable act of solidarity and national unity, the Premier of the Cayman Islands, André Ebanks, and Opposition Leader, Joey Hew, jointly arrived in Jamaica on the first relief flight into Kingston, bringing with them US $200,000 worth of essential supplies and pledging an additional US $1.2 million in aid, declaring, “Cayman stands with Jamaica.” Later that day, both leaders appeared side by side at a press conference at Jamaica House.

This powerful display of unity by the Caymanian political leaders stands in stark contrast to the situation here at home. In the aftermath of one of the most catastrophic disasters in our history, it is deeply disappointing that we have not seen a similar demonstration of togetherness from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

Lest we forget, Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds exceeding 185 mph, struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, leaving widespread devastation across St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Hanover, Trelawny, and Manchester. The hurricane unleashed catastrophic flooding, landslides, and storm surges that destroyed homes, roads, crops, and critical infrastructure. Over half a million households lost power. At least thirty-two lives have been confirmed lost, several others remain missing, and thousands of families are displaced and many still seeking refuge in shelters or forced to sleep under the open sky.

We are facing a full-blown national crisis. The country urgently needs coordinated action to provide food, water, shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support, alongside long-term recovery efforts to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods.

NATIONAL INTEREST

Let us make no mistake: there can only be one government at a time. However, national leadership, especially in crisis, requires unity of purpose and bipartisan cooperation. So far, the signals from the Government appear partisan and short-sighted. The recently established Recovery and Oversight Committee, co-chaired by Ministers Vaz and McKenzie, includes a raft of government ministers, but no opposition representatives. Similarly, the new Private Sector Coordination Committee, co-chaired by Ambassador Audrey Marks and Government Senator Keith Duncan, again excludes the opposition.

Prime Minister Holness would do well to heed his own wise words, spoken at his swearing-in on September 17, 2025:

“The elections are over. We must reunite and refocus on the business of the nation. Regardless of the outcome, we must choose Jamaica … I extend my hand to the Opposition to create a space for the national interest.”

The Cayman example is a timely reminder that political unity in times of crisis is not only possible, it is powerful. Let us therefore rise above partisanship and follow their lead as we join hands and hearts together in the great task of relief, recovery, and reconstruction.

As the Latin writer Publilius Syrus wisely said, “ Where there is unity, there is always victory.”

DR ORVILLE PLUMMER

oaplummer@gmail.com