Rwandan Troops Win Hearts in Jamaica After Post-Cyclone Reconstruction Effort

Montego Bay, Jamaica, 13 March 2026 - The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has concluded a 60-day humanitarian mission in Montego Bay, leaving a lasting impact on communities devastated by Cyclone Melissa. Deployed in collaboration with the Jamaican Defence Force (JDF), a contingent of 100 Rwandan soldiers worked to repair and rebuild damaged infrastructure in St James Province, following a disaster that claimed 45 lives and caused destruction equivalent to 45% of Jamaica’s GDP. Many residents, encountering Rwanda for the first time, expressed deep gratitude for the support. “You came all the way from Africa to help us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said one local resident. Another added, “I didn’t know how I would rebuild, but what you have done is incredible. God bless you.” The Chief of the Jamaican Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, praised the RDF soldiers for their professionalism and discipline. “They are dedicated, efficient, and true professionals. In just two months, they have achieved a great deal and built strong ties with the community,” she said, noting the absence of any misconduct during their deployment. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Rwanda and Jamaica, highlighting that the support provided would not be forgotten. Colonel Moses Kayigamba, head of the RDF contingent, said Rwanda’s commitment to humanitarian action is rooted in its own history. “We take any suffering as our own,” he stated, referencing the country’s past and its determination to assist others in times of need. The mission followed the devastating cyclone that struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, with winds reaching 298 km/h, severely impacting St Elizabeth and Black River regions. According to humanitarian data, the disaster damaged 450 schools and over 120,000 homes, affecting 626,000 people, with hundreds left homeless. The RDF’s intervention has been widely seen as a symbol of solidarity and international cooperation, reinforcing Rwanda’s growing role in global humanitarian and peace support operations.