“Soldier On”: PM Browne Pledges Aid, Troops to Support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Recovery
By Cory Wayland
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional solidarity, announcing that the country will provide financial assistance and deploy soldiers to assist Jamaica’s recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The Prime Minister made the pledge on Monday during a CARICOM solidarity mission to Jamaica, where he joined leaders from Barbados, Grenada, and Guyana to tour the hardest-hit communities and meet with Jamaican officials coordinating national recovery efforts.
Speaking on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Browne emphasized that the twin-island nation stands firmly with Jamaica during this period of hardship.
“I want to encourage the Jamaican people to soldier on and to carry on despite the circumstances,” he said. “We are very resilient as Caribbean people. This too shall pass. Continue to rebuild bigger and better.”
Prime Minister Browne noted that the region’s shared experience with catastrophic storms binds Caribbean states together. He highlighted Barbuda’s extensive rebuilding effort after the island was devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017, pointing to it as evidence that recovery, though difficult, is achievable with determination and strong regional support.
He stressed that Antigua and Barbuda’s contribution will be both practical and immediate, with relief supplies, financial support, and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force expected to assist in on-the-ground operations.
The CARICOM leaders’ visit aimed to reinforce the collective spirit of regional unity, demonstrating the bloc’s readiness to assist any member state struck by disaster.
As Jamaica begins the long path toward rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, Prime Minister Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the country.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/11/19/soldier-on-pm-browne-pledges-aid-troops-to-support-jamaicas-hurricane-melissa-recovery. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
Browne Proposes Fishing Restriction to Let Peace Beach Reef Mature
Prime minister says newly installed artificial reef modules need time to develop and promises continued public beach access.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Cleo Lemonious and Latoya Pilliner Charged Over Alleged EC$4,405 Clothing Theft
The accused are expected before the St. John’s Magistrate’s Court on Monday following alleged thefts at a store on Market and Redcliffe Streets.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Jeffers: Employers Must Give Workers Reasons to Be Loyal
The management consultant says job security, fair treatment and investment in employees are essential to building lasting workplace commitment.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Browne Celebrates Sister’s Graduation: ‘She Has Corrected That Now’
Prime minister says Blondell Browne’s achievement reflects the opportunities now available to adults who once ended their education at secondary school.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (3)
Apex Jones November 19, 2025, 11:08 AM
SaidWatISaid November 19, 2025, 12:13 PM
Informed citizen November 19, 2025, 6:17 PM