China hands over more than US$4 million in Melissa aid as medical ship arrives in Montego Bay
Published:Thursday | December 4, 2025 | 3:58 PM
China has deployed one of its largest humanitarian medical teams to Jamaica and has handed over more than US$4 million in disaster relief support, as the island continues to struggle to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking at the Montego Freeport Terminal on Monday, where the Chinese Navy hospital ship Silk Road Ark docked for a three-day medical mission, Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, Wang Jingfeng, said the visit underscores “the solid, strategic partnership” between both nations and China’s commitment to helping Jamaica rebuild.
The medical ship, carrying more than 100 doctors, nurses, and technicians, will offer free services to Jamaicans suffering from storm-related and chronic ailments.
After Montego Bay, the vessel will move to Falmouth, Trelawny, to continue its humanitarian outreach.
The ambassador noted that China moved immediately after the Category 5 hurricane hit to signal its solidarity with Jamaica.
“China extended its deep condolences and sincere sympathies,” he said, confirming that President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi each sent messages to their Jamaican counterparts following the disaster.
The ambassador disclosed that US$2 million in grant funding was officially handed over to the Government on Wednesday.
In addition, China is providing US$2.1 million worth of humanitarian supplies, tailored to Jamaica’s immediate and long-term recovery needs.
The first shipment, which included instant food and lighting equipment, arrived on Monday and was delivered to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and the Jamaica Defence Force.
Upcoming consignments include tents, prefabricated houses, garbage and water trucks, water tanks, diesel generators, and construction equipment
“It is our sincere hope that China's genuine assistance will make a meaningful contribution to Jamaica's disaster relief and reconstruction efforts,” the ambassador said.
Referencing the 2011 visit of the Peace Ark medical ship, which treated 1,540 Jamaicans, the ambassador said the return of a Chinese hospital vessel 14 years later reaffirms the bond between both nations.
“China and Jamaica are friends who treat each other with sincerity, brothers who stand together through thick and thin,” he told the gathering, thanking Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and his team for facilitating the deployment.
The ambassador praised the resilience of the Jamaican people, adding: “I’m convinced that with our hands joined together, Jamaica will rebuild stronger and more resilient.”
The Ark Silk Road arrival comes as thousands across western Jamaica continue to grapple with destroyed homes, damaged infrastructure, and displaced livelihoods.
Its free medical services are expected to draw scores over the next few days.
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