British troops arrive for deployment to hurricane-affected countries

British High Commissioner, Janet Douglas, and Head of DFID Caribbean, Colleen Wainwright, Friday evening met the first British troops arriving in Barbados for deployment to affected countries, to support the relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

These troops will supply immediate manpower, emergency supplies, and equipment to provide rapid assistance to affected communities.

Her Majesty The Queen and British Prime Minister Theresa May have expressed their sympathy for all those in the hurricane-affected islands of the Caribbean.

“The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with all those impacted by Hurricane Irma throughout the Caribbean,” Douglas said.

She said the UK is working closely with CDEMA, local governments, and other partners to bring much-needed relief to hard-pressed communities.

Assistance being provided by the British Government to the islands of the Caribbean suffering the impact of Hurricane Irma include £32 million of funding and deployment of four UK Aid humanitarian experts to assist with needs assessments and coordination

Royal Fleet Auxiliary Mounts Bay is also providing immediate assistance, including Royal Engineers and Royal Marines to repair vital services ashore. The ship carries a range of equipment to support humanitarian responses including vehicles, tents, and facilities to purify water.

HMS Ocean is being diverted to the Caribbean in order to provide help with reconstruction once the hurricanes have passed.