Tynia Brown
Journal Staff Writer

The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated $84,664 to The Bahamas to
assist with recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa and to help strengthen the nation’s
Disaster Emergency Fund. The contribution comes as communities continue to grapple with the
storm’s impact and as officials work to bolster the country’s resilience ahead of future weather
threats.
The funds were formally handed over during a brief ceremony in Nassau, where Chinese
Ambassador Her Excellency Yan Jiarong presented the cheque to Minister of State for Disaster
Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy. The event, hosted by the Disaster Risk Management
Authority (DRM Authority), highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
Minister Lundy, speaking on behalf of the Government, described the donation as both timely
and meaningful.
“We are sincerely grateful for this generous support from the Government and people of
China,” Lundy said. “This assistance comes at a crucial moment as we continue recovery
efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. It is another demonstration of the close
friendship and consistent partnership between our two countries.”
He added that the donation will help the Government not only address immediate recovery
needs, but also reinforce the national Disaster Emergency Fund, an essential resource used to
respond quickly to crises. According to Lundy, the funds will be directed toward families and
communities most affected by the storm and will aid ongoing restoration work in impacted
islands.
Minister Lundy also noted that China has long been a “steadfast friend” to The Bahamas,
supporting local development through various forms of assistance, including infrastructure
projects, technical cooperation, and humanitarian aid.
“China’s continued engagement reflects a genuine commitment to our nation’s growth and
disaster readiness,” Lundy said. “This latest contribution further strengthens our shared goal of
building a more resilient Bahamas.”
Ambassador Yan echoed those sentiments, expressing her government’s concern for the
Bahamian people following recent weather events. She emphasized that China remains attentive
to the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states, particularly as they face the
growing effects of climate change.

“China is highly concerned about the impact of recent storms on The Bahamas,” the
Ambassador said. “We deeply understand that the challenges you face are rooted in the
special vulnerability of small island states in the era of climate change. China will continue
to support The Bahamas in strengthening its disaster prevention and reduction
capabilities.”
The Ambassador also noted that the donation was made through the China-Caribbean Disaster
Prevention and Mitigation Fund, which has provided approximately $140,000 to The Bahamas
over the past three years. The fund aims to help Caribbean nations improve their disaster
preparedness and recovery capacity.
The DRM Authority will oversee the allocation of the newly donated funds as it continues to
coordinate national hurricane recovery operations. Officials say the contribution will assist with
both short-term relief and longer-term resilience planning.
The donation comes as The Bahamas remains in active recovery mode following Hurricane
Melissa, which brought significant rainfall, flooding, and damage to several communities. While
cleanup efforts continue, the Government has emphasized the need for sustained support to
ensure affected families can rebuild safely and swiftly.
China’s latest contribution represents another chapter in the longstanding diplomatic relationship
between the two nations, one marked by continued cooperation in areas such as education,
infrastructure, disaster management, and cultural exchange.