MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE
2 Port Royal Street, Kingston
MEDIA RELEASE
Korea donates over $15m to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Bery
Jamaica’s recovery efforts from the passage of Hurricane Beryl has found additional support in a donation valued at US$100,000, the equivalent of more than $15 million, from the Government and people of the Republic of Korea.
This follows a handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry recently, involving Honourable Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Mr. Jin-Wook Kim, Chargé d’Affaires at the Korean Embassy in Kingston
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has been supporting the Government’s response to the disaster by coordinating offers of assistance and undertaking outreaches to the diplomatic community, international organisations and the Jamaican Diaspora to ensure that needs identified by the Government are prioritised.
While speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica at this morning’s ceremony, Minister Terrelonge expressed gratitude and appreciation to Korea for the demonstration of solidarity shown during what he described as a challenging period for the island.
“We are gratified by this demonstration of solidarity during what has been a challenging period for Jamaica, but from which we are determined to build back better and stronger. This latest offer from the Government of Korea will enhance the prospects for timely and effective recovery, especially for those most impacted by Hurricane Beryl”, the Minister said.
The Minister also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Jamaica and Korea, which dates back to 1962. He said for more than six decades, both nations have collaborated on various initiatives to include agriculture and technology, and pointed to the Sandy Shoreline Project as a key example of this collaborative effort, which is helping Jamaica to combat the effects of climate change.
Meanwhile, in expressing thanks to the Foreign Ministry for the care and support shown to the diplomatic corps during the hurricane, Mr. Kim said his Government’s donation to Jamaica comes with deep and sincere solidarity. “The Republic of Korea is both pleased and honoured to respond to the call from the Government of Jamaica. We hope that our contribution provides some relief from the suffering caused by Hurricane Beryl. We have great faith in the resilience of the Jamaican people and are confident that Jamaica will fully recover”, he said.
This financial support is the latest provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea with whom Jamaica has had very active engagement, including during the 13th High-Level Forum on Korea-Caribbean Partnership last October, which involved key Korean leaders such as President Yoon Suk Yeol and His Excellency PARK Jin, Korea’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs. At that meeting, Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, spoke about the need to address urgent issues like climate resilience and funding as well as disaster response.
The Government of Jamaica remains committed to working closely with international bodies and bilateral partners to ensure that recovery initiatives are implemented promptly and effectively.
