Republic of Korea provides $48 million humanitarian donation

The Government of the Republic of Korea has provided US$300,000 (J$48 million) in humanitarian assistance to Jamaica as the island rebuilds after the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Melissa.

In addition to the cash grant, JTS, a Korean non-governmental organisation, will donate 200 tonnes of rice for distribution to vulnerable communities, along with a container of baby and women’s supplies.

Kim Jin-wook, Chargé d’Affaires at the Korean Embassy in Kingston, said the scale of destruction he witnessed in western Jamaica compelled action.

“I have personally witnessed the devastation in western Jamaica and was deeply moved to act. I hope this humble contribution will help as many people as possible return to their normal lives. Our hearts are with Jamaica; Korea stands with Jamaica,” Jin-wook said during a brief handover ceremony on Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Kingston.

The donation comes as Jamaica confronts one of the most expensive natural disasters in its history. Preliminary government figures estimate total damage from the Category 5 storm at US$6 billion to US$7 billion, equivalent to roughly 28 to 32 per cent of GDP.

Against this backdrop, Korea’s contribution is intended to bolster recovery efforts in the hardest-hit western parishes.