HAVANA, Cuba.- A donation of food, drinking water, mattresses and other articles sent by the Jamaican government arrived to the port of eastern Santiago de Cuba to help the victims of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The coastguard vessel Middlesex of the Jamaican Armada carried the load along with four specialists from the Jamaican Office for Disasters Preparation and Emergencies.

Local authorities received the donation on behalf of the Cuban people.
The two sides exchanged information and experiences on the handling regional disasters.

Lieutenant Commander Paul Wright, the ship’s commanding officer, spoke about the importance of giving aid to Cuba. “It’s a great honor for us to help. Jamaica also suffered the battering of Hurricane Gustav, which left huge material losses, nevertheless we feel it’s our duty to help Cuba and Haiti, since they are two sister nations.”

The cargo includes contributions made by several companies, organizations, and other Jamaican entities explained Wright.

The Jamaican sailors will take advantage of their trip to meet with their Cuban counterparts during their 24-hour stay in Santiago. (acn)