Rwanda has deployed a contingent of its military engineering experts to Jamaica to help rehabilitate infrastructure damaged by the natural disasters caused by Hurricane Melissa late last year.

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) engineers—whose number was not immediately disclosed—were sent to the Caribbean island of Jamaica under bilateral cooperation agreements between the two countries, aimed at providing assistance in restoring infrastructure destroyed by the disaster.

RDF leadership stated that before departing from Kigali International Airport for Jamaica, the troops received guidance from Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Division responsible for combat service support vehicles, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Brig Gen Tinka reminded the soldiers to apply their knowledge, professionalism, and skills to successfully accomplish the mission entrusted to them by RDF leadership.

He urged them to work in a way that ensures the beneficiaries of their assistance appreciate their contribution, while upholding RDF values—particularly discipline—as the foundation of the Rwanda Defence Force’s conduct.

“These values are the reason you were entrusted with this mission,” Brig Gen Tinka said, emphasizing that they should always strive to embody RDF core values.

Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean islands in late October 2025, hitting Jamaica particularly hard.

The storm claimed more than 45 lives and affected over 1.6 million people through injuries and destruction of property, including homes, livestock, crops, and various infrastructure facilities.