Cayman donates supply of blood and plasma to Jamaica to help with Hurricane Melissa recovery

The Cayman Islands Blood Bank, operated by the Health Services Authority, has dispatched a critical donation of 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to the National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood Bank) in Jamaica today.

This marks the first of multiple donations to be made to Jamaica as part of relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the country on Tuesday.

The authorities in Cayman say, over the past few days, 65 donors stepped forward to meet the urgent request for blood.

It says this represents a remarkable increase compared to the usual daily average of 10 or fewer donations.

“This extraordinary turnout demonstrates the generosity and solidarity of our community,” said Dr Lundie Richards, Consultant Haematologist-Oncologist at the HSA and lead for blood bank and transfusion services.

“As a Jamaican, the support that Cayman has shown has left a profound effect on me. This is truly humanity in one of its greatest forms—the opportunity to give back, give blood, and give Caymankind to our neighbours in need.

“Collecting 65 pints and one platelet unit in just a couple of days, when our typical daily numbers are under 10, speaks volumes about our donors’ compassion and commitment not only to Cayman but to regional health and well-being,” he added.

The blood products, accompanied by Richards, were flown courtesy of Cayman Airways and delivered to Jamaica’s central blood bank for islandwide distribution.

The HSA and Cayman Islands Blood Bank expressed gratitude to Cayman Airways for providing the flight and Dr Joseph Marzouca, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in the Cayman Islands, for assisting with coordination.

“As Jamaica’s Honorary Consul here in the Cayman Islands, I am deeply touched by our Cayman donor community’s generosity,” said Marzouca.

“This donation strengthens the bonds between our islands and shows that lifesaving care knows no borders.”

The HSA and Blood Bank emphasise that this donation is not a one-off event, but part of a broader effort to strengthen regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness.

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