Kigali/Kingston – The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has deployed a contingent of military engineers to Jamaica to support the Caribbean nation’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
The engineers will focus on rehabilitating critical infrastructure destroyed by the powerful cyclone, which left Jamaica grappling with widespread damage to roads, bridges, schools, and public utilities. The deployment is part of a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at strengthening disaster response and resilience through technical cooperation.
Mission Briefing and Values
Before their departure, the RDF engineers were addressed by Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division, speaking on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff. He urged the contingent to uphold the RDF’s hallmark values of discipline, professionalism, and service.
“It is these values that earned you this responsibility,” Brig. Gen. Tinka told the officers and ranks, emphasizing that their work should leave a tangible positive impact on the communities they serve.
The engineers are expected to apply their expertise in construction, logistics, and technical rehabilitation to restore essential services and help Jamaica rebuild stronger infrastructure.
Hurricane Melissa’s Impact
Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean in late October 2025 with winds exceeding 200 km/h and torrential rains. Jamaica bore the brunt of the storm, suffering extensive damage to housing, transport networks, and energy systems. The disaster prompted a large-scale humanitarian response involving regional organizations, international aid agencies, and local authorities.
The World Bank estimated that Jamaica’s economic losses exceeded $3 billion, with recovery efforts projected to take several years. The RDF’s involvement adds a new dimension to international solidarity, highlighting South-South cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
Rwanda’s Expanding Global Role
This mission underscores Rwanda’s growing role in international peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. The RDF has previously contributed to United Nations missions in Central Africa, Sudan, and Haiti, earning recognition for its discipline and effectiveness.
By extending support to Jamaica, Rwanda demonstrates its commitment to global disaster response and resilience-building, reinforcing diplomatic ties beyond Africa.
Jamaica’s Recovery Path
For Jamaica, the arrival of RDF engineers represents a boost to ongoing recovery programs. The government has prioritized rebuilding schools, hospitals, and transport corridors to restore normalcy and safeguard livelihoods. With the RDF’s technical support, Jamaica hopes to accelerate reconstruction and strengthen its preparedness for future climate-related disasters.
Symbol of Solidarity
The deployment reflects a broader trend of international cooperation in disaster recovery, where nations share expertise and manpower to confront the growing challenges of climate change. For Rwanda and Jamaica, it is also a symbol of solidarity across continents, linking Africa and the Caribbean through shared resilience and mutual support.
