KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says it will donate medical supplies worth $20 million to Cuba, to assist the country’s response to the crude oil storage facility fire at the Port of Matanzas.

The fire, which began on August 5 blazed for five days before being brought under control, left 125 people injured.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie explained that this effort is being co-ordinated by his ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

“The Government has been in continuous communication with the Government of the Republic of Cuba, and therefore is responding in a specific way to the needs of the people affected,” McKenzie said.

“The ODPEM as Jamaica’s disaster agency, as well as a Sub-Regional Focal Point of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, is co-ordinating the logistical and other aspects of this critical exercise. This includes the organisation of the medical supplies by the National Health Fund, and their transportation to Cuba by the Jamaica Defence Force. The ODPEM will also streamline any subsequent donations from the private and public sectors,” the minister added.

McKenzie went on extend his sympathies on behalf of the Jamaican government as Cuba reels from this tragedy.

“The Government and people of Jamaica extend sympathies and concerns to the Government and people of Cuba at this difficult moment, and we are honoured to make a practical contribution to the process of recovery.”