The Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael A. Weeks, JP, MP, attended LF Wade International Airport on Sunday morning to personally wish members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment well as they departed Bermuda for a disaster recovery mission in Jamaica.

The Minister met with the soldiers ahead of their departure, thanking them for volunteering to serve overseas and commending their professionalism and commitment to assisting communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The deployment forms part of Bermuda’s commitment to support Jamaica following the catastrophic storm, which made landfall on 28 October 2025 as a Category Five hurricane and caused widespread devastation.

More than 700,000 people were affected, with dozens of communities cut off and over 200,000 homes destroyed or severely damaged. Up to twenty-seven Royal Bermuda Regiment personnel will serve in Jamaica from 15 to 28 February 2026, where they will work alongside regional partners in coordinated recovery efforts.

Their primary task will focus on repairing storm damaged roofs in the parish of St. Elizabeth, one of the hardest hit areas. Minister Weeks said, “It was important for me to be at the airport this morning to personally thank these men and women before they departed.

“Each of them volunteered for this mission, and that willingness to step forward and serve speaks volumes about the character and professionalism of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.”

He added, “This deployment reflects Bermuda’s commitment to provide support to our Caribbean neighbours in times of need. “When a country with whom we have strong historical ties faces devastation on this scale, support must go beyond words. These soldiers are carrying Bermuda’s support with them in a practical and meaningful way.”

The Minister also confirmed that he plans to travel to Jamaica next week to visit the troops in person and observe the recovery efforts firsthand. The soldiers will be embedded with the Jamaica Defence Force Engineer Regiment, which will lead and coordinate the recovery projects to ensure resources and skills are directed where they are most needed.

They will operate in field conditions and have met strict pre-deployment standards, including medical and fitness requirements. Minister Weeks said, “This mission also shows the strength of regional cooperation. By working alongside partner defence forces, Bermuda is contributing where the need remains real and where our skills can make a measurable difference for families working to rebuild.”

Minister Weeks thanked the Regiment’s leadership and all personnel taking part, stating that Bermuda made a commitment to assist, and this deployment ensures that promise is honoured.