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, 28 October 2025.
As a result of the Cayman community’s overwhelming support over the past few days, 65 donors including 13 new donors stepped forward to meet the urgent request for blood. 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 ten, speaks volumes about our donors’ compassion and committment not only to Cayman but to regional health and well-being
The blood products, accompanied by Dr. Richards, were flown courtesy of Cayman Airways and delivered to Jamaica’s central blood bank for island-wide 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 Dr Joseph Marzouca, Honorary Consul of Jamaica in the Cayman Islands. “This donation strengthens the bonds between our islands and shows that lifesaving care knows no borders.”
Dr Lundie Richards, HSA’s Consultant Haematologist-Oncologist with staff of the National Blood Transfusion Service in Jamaica
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. With the current influx of donors, the Blood Bank will continue in-house collection for now with plans to resume mobile blood drives in the coming weeks once staffing allows.
“The Health Services Authority is honoured to lead this lifesaving initiative,” noted Ms Lizzette Yearwood, Chief Executive Officer at the HSA.
By stepping up in such an incredible way, our donor community shows what can be achieved when healthcare systems and citizens work together. This is humanitarian leadership in action.
“However, I would like to encourage donors not to stop here. The donation already on its way can save at least 120 lives, but the need for ready, willing blood donors remains ongoing, both locally and regionally. Blood has a shelf life of 35 days, so consistent donations are necessary,” she added.
“This generous donation from the Cayman Islands to Jamaica reflects Caribbean solidarity at its best,” said Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP, Minister for Health, Environment & Sustainability. “I applaud every donor and everyone involved for turning compassion into action. Our health systems are stronger when we support each other, and today’s achievement is proof."
I encourage anyone in good health who meets the standard eligibility criteria to schedule an appointment with the Cayman Islands Blood Bank and donate, not just for our neighbours in Jamaica who need it, but also for our own community, as maintaining our national blood supply is essential.
The CI Blood Bank, managed by the HSA, provides a full range of blood-banking and transfusion services, including whole blood, platelets, and apheresis-based collections. It has expanded platelet availability and strengthened its transfusion-medicine capacity.
The CI Blood Bank is located at the Anthony S. Eden , 95 Hospital Road, George Town, and is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
To donate blood, please call 244-2674, email bloodbank@hsa.ky , or visit www.bloodbank.ky to learn more.