The Jamaican diaspora in the United States is being called on to assist with providing ambulances, mobile clinics and vector control units, as part of the hurricane melissa response efforts.

The appeal came from Portfolio Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton while addressing the virtual town hall hurricane Melissa recovery update with Ambassador Antony Anderson, last evening.

Dr. Tufton explained that the ministry has a donors’ document which outlines the various needs, among which are vehicles for mobility and logistics.

He said many of the ministry’s vehicles were destroyed. 

Dr. Tufton said through an arrangement with Toyota, certain vehicles can be retrofitted. 

He explained that mobile clinics are needed so health services can be offered at the community level.

The minister added that vans for vector control can be sourced locally.

Also needed are patient transfer vehicles.