Jamaican PM extends condolences to Haiti after earthquake

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness has extended sincere condolences on behalf of the Jamaican government to the government and people of Haiti following a major earthquake which hit that country on Saturday.

The northern part of the Caribbean French-speaking nation was hit by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake on Saturday, October 6, leaving at least 15 people dead and more than 300 injured, many buildings were also damaged as earthquake trembled the nation confirmed Caribbean country’s civil protection agency.

The Jamaican Prime Minister expressed sympathy at the loss of lives, as well as the injuries sustained in Haiti.

In a diplomatic note released on Monday to the Government of Haiti, Holness said Jamaica would offer support.

“The Government of Jamaica stands in solidarity with the people of Haiti during these trying times, and remains ready to assist, where possible, with the rehabilitation efforts,” said Prime Minister Holness in the note.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the potentially crippling effects of naturally occurring disasters and noted that they are a stark and constant reminder of the vulnerabilities in this region.

In that regard, Prime Minister Holness underscored the urgent and critical need for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to intensify its efforts at resilience building.

Jamaica was also jolted by a 3.9 magnitude earthquake on Sunday. There was no report of any damage as a result of the quake.

On Monday, Haiti's Ministry of Communication released figures stating that at least 15 people had died, nine in Port-de-Paix, one in Saint-Louis du Nord and 5 in Gros Morne. Among the dead were a 5-year-old boy crushed by his collapsing house.

The tremor caused widespread panic in the north and was one of the strongest to shake Haiti since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital Port-au-Prince in 2010. That quake killed tens of thousands of people.

(Agency Inputs)