The Cayman Islands continues to stand in solidarity with its neighbours in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

On Sunday 15 February, the Cayman Islands Regiment (CIR) deployed an eight-person contingent to Jamaica, joining troops from the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment in a coordinated regional relief effort.

This voluntary mission will deliver critical humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) support to the Jamaican people and the Jamaica Defence Force.

The contingent is expected to remain in Jamaica for two weeks. Working in close coordination with JDF counterparts, the joint UK Overseas Territories Regiment team will support stabilization efforts in the hardest-hit areas. In partnership with the Guyana Defence Force, they will focus on repairing damaged roofs in the parish of St Elizabeth.

“Our thoughts remain with the people of Jamaica during this difficult period,” said Major Graham Muir, Training and Operations Officer for the Regiment. “The Cayman Islands Regiment exists to deliver a rapid, disciplined response to emergencies-whether at home or across the region. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners across the British Overseas Territories and the Jamaica Defence Force as recovery efforts progress and communities rebuild.”

This mission marks the first overseas operational deployment for the CIR. It builds on the Regiment’s recent experience supporting the December avian flu response, as well as extensive training conducted in Grand Cayman and Trinidad. The deployment provides an important opportunity for troops to apply the specialist skills developed over the past year in a live operational environment.

The Cayman Islands Regiment’s participation in this regional response demonstrates its growing capability, readiness, and enduring commitment to Caribbean stability.