Jamaica thanks OAS for support against climate disasters and arms trafficking

Jamaica's Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith expressed gratitude to the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly for its crucial support in tackling climate catastrophes, arms trafficking, and cybercrimes. During her address at the regional assembly in Panama City, Smith recalled the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm.

“

Jamaica had the impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms to reach the Atlantic basin and affect our countries. There were fatalities and it also affected our agriculture.

The hurricane resulted in at least 45 fatalities and inflicted significant damage across various parts of the island, particularly affecting agriculture. "The hurricane season continues to cause displacement and devastation in our countries," Smith stated, highlighting ongoing collaborative efforts with The Bahamas and the United States to enhance the effectiveness and impact of disaster relief financing. This initiative is particularly relevant given the current hurricane season, which runs from June to November and is predicted by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to bring up to 6 hurricanes and 14 named storms to the Atlantic.

“

The hurricane season continues to cause displacement and devastation in our countries. Therefore, we are working with The Bahamas and the United States to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of the support we have in financing for natural disasters.

Beyond climate-related challenges, Smith also alerted the assembly to the growing threat of transnational organized crime. "Challenges such as arms trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and other transnational crimes are affecting us and are being led by criminal organizations," she warned. She stressed the imperative for the region to "prioritize these issues, ensuring that peace and security are intrinsically interconnected."

“

Challenges such as arms trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and other transnational crimes are affecting us and are being led by criminal organizations.

The minister's remarks underscore the multifaceted security threats facing the Americas. Transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and the illegal arms trade are among the most significant dangers confronting the continent. Recent operations, such as a coordinated police effort across 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries in May, led to the seizure of 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tons of drugs, with over 8,700 arrests linked to these illicit activities, according to Interpol.

“

Therefore, we must prioritize these issues, ensuring that peace and security are intrinsically interconnected.