A Cuban official (third left) compares his checklist with Cleon Muir (second left), navigator in the Jamaica Defence Force. - Photo by Michelle-Ann Letman

IT WAS no easy task on Saturday in Santiago de Cuba for the 16 crew members from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard, who toiled for almost seven hours in the heat of the sun, unloading relief items.

The 2,771 boxes, which included food, household supplies and pharmaceuticals, were taken to Cuba on the JDF Coast Guard's Middlesex vessel.

The Middlesex arrived at the Guillermón Moncada Port in Santiago de Cuba at 12:04 p.m.

Major damage

On arrival, Lieutenant Commander Paul Wright, along with his crew, media representatives and a team from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, were greeted by Cuban officials and members of the Cuban media.

It would take six and a half hours to unload the relief items.

Cuba suffered major damage from Tropical Storm Gustav and Hurricane Ike, which left thousands homeless and seven people dead.

Vicente González, government representative for international relations, told reporters that the city of Santiago did not suffer much damage during the passage of Gustav and Ike.

Good neighbour

The Banes, located in the province of Holguín, to the east of the island, was one of the worst-affected areas.

Jamaica also felt the wrath of Tropical Storm Gustav. However, Wright said the Jamaican Govern-ment felt compelled to help Cuba.

The relief mission was a partnership between the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Relief items were donated by several corporate entities and government agencies.