UK Politicians Rally for Jamaica in Wake of Devastating Hurricane
British MPs are intensifying pressure on the government to provide additional support and humanitarian visas for Jamaican citizens affected by the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The storm has left hundreds of thousands in a dire humanitarian situation, with approximately 150,000 homes damaged or destroyed and nearly one million people impacted across the island.
Political Leaders Advocate for Immediate Action
Dawn Butler, the Labour MP for Brent East and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Jamaica, has taken a leading role in the campaign. She publicly shared a letter addressed to the Home Secretary, requesting temporary humanitarian visas and fee waivers for vulnerable relatives of UK nationals, particularly children and the elderly, who could seek refuge with family members in Britain.
"The UK has a long and enduring relationship with Jamaica and I am confident that, with compassion and collaboration, we can play a vital role in supporting those most in need during this difficult period," Butler stated. Her constituency, home to one of the UK's largest Jamaican communities, hosted an emergency meeting where these urgent calls were made.
Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, has endorsed these efforts, emphasising that Jamaica requires long-term assistance for recovery. She expressed concern that initial focus was on repatriating tourists, and the ongoing severity of the crisis has since faded from public attention.
Historical Ties and Moral Obligations
Campaigners are drawing parallels with the UK's response to the war in Ukraine, arguing that a similar level of humanitarian protection should be extended to Jamaica. Euen Herbert-Small, a Windrush activist, highlighted the nation's status as a Commonwealth country with the King as its head of state. He has launched a petition calling for a visa scheme akin to the Homes for Ukraine programme.
Rosalea Hamilton of the Lasco Chin Foundation, which is actively assisting affected communities, echoed this sentiment. She suggested that the UK's current pledge of £7.5 million in emergency funds is insufficient and that the historical relationship should translate into more substantial support during a crisis. This sentiment is further amplified by the staggering US$8 billion in estimated losses announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Compounding Crises and Climate Justice
Beyond the immediate structural damage, Jamaica is confronting a deadly outbreak of leptospirosis, with 91 suspected cases and 11 confirmed fatalities. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has declared an outbreak due to the significant spike in cases.
The Green party in Britain has linked the disaster to broader issues of climate justice and the legacy of enslavement. Ellie Chowns, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson, stated that the UK bears a "huge historical responsibility" and must recognise the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on Caribbean nations due to centuries of environmental degradation linked to colonialism and the industrial revolution.
As the recovery efforts continue, Pearnel Charles, Jamaica's Minister of Labour and Social Security, confirmed that social workers are consistently on the ground and hotlines are operational to assist the hundreds of thousands of people in need, including providing psychological support.
