Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM), Broadcasting and Bahamas Information Services, the Hon. McKell Bonaby met with the British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Her Excellency Smita Rossetti and the British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Alicia Herbert on Thursday, October 1, 2026 for a closed meeting.

They met to discuss the British High Commission’s response when Category 5 Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica last October, including the coordination of the United Kingdom’s humanitarian assistance.

Executive Chairman of the DRM, Gregory Burrows; Managing Director, DRM, Aarone Sargent; Director, DRM, Captain Stephen Russell and Board Members also attended the meeting at their offices, where The Bahamas’ best practices in dealing with national disasters were shared with the British High Commissioners.

The Minister of State explained that The Bahamas and Jamaica share not only strong historical and regional ties but also some of the same vulnerabilities that other small island nations face.

“For all of us within this region, hurricanes and the increasing impact of climate-related hazards or realities transcend national borders.”

He told the High Commissioners, “What your government has done in regards to Hurricane Melissa has been extremely phenomenal and we look forward to continuing to partner with you, to learn from you and to also share with you what we know here.”

The British High Commissioner to The Bahamas said the UK government will continue to support The Bahamas just like it did in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

The British High Commissioner to Jamaica added that one of the strategic objectives of the British government is to support the region with respect to preparedness as well as response to climatic and other shocks.

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