JAMAICA: POSSIBLE HOST COUNTRY AID TO HAITI; POSSIBLE

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000046 SIPDIS DEPT FOR TFHA01 USAID/OFDA WHA/CAR SAN JOSE FOR OFDA PANAMA FOR DR. BAYUK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC MARR PREL PINR AMGT HA JM XL SUBJECT: JAMAICA: POSSIBLE HOST COUNTRY AID TO HAITI; POSSIBLE EMBASSY KINGSTON ASSISTANCE REF: STATE 3121 (130949Z JAN 10) ¶1. This is an action request; please see paragraph four. ¶2. Despite Jamaica's extreme financial difficulties, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT) currently are developing courses of action (COAs) to provide up to a company of engineers (120 personnel),one platoon of infantry (30 personnel),10 medical personnel, and a County Class Patrol Boat (12-15 personnel) to assist with disaster relief in Haiti for approximately two weeks. The MFAFT has asked that the Embassy convey the Government of Jamaica (GoJ)'s request for USG funding of this effort; the GoJ indicates that they need USD 135,000 to provide cots, tents, and other logistical support to finance this effort. The GoJ also requests transport assistance by USSOUTHCOM, but notes that it might be able to use the JDF's very limited transportation assets. USMLO Kingston has conveyed this request to USSOUTHCOM, is working to help ensure that any GOJ assistance efforts are properly coordinated with USSOUTHCOM, and is standing by to liaise with the JDF as the situation develops. ¶3. Embassy Kingston held an EAC meeting the morning of January 13 to discuss other available/potential GoJ assets that might be devoted to disaster relief for Haiti, and will report any further developments. Embassy Kingston will offer to make its alternative medical kit available to JDF for use in Haiti; Embassy Kingston also will consider any other requests for assistance received from Washington or Embassy Port-au-Prince. (Note: The GoJ is attending a UN-hosted donor meeting on the afternoon of January 13 in Kingston; Post will report any significant additional information that may come to light regarding possible GoJ participation in the Haiti recovery effort. End Note.) Action Request ¶4. That Washington advise whether USD 135,000 might be available to fund the proposed Jamaican disaster assistance effort in Haiti, and whether SOUTHCOM might be able to provide transportation. POC at USMLO Kingston is LTC Robert Wagner, 876-702-6073 (IVG 979-6073),e-mails: wagnerra@state.gov or Robert.Wagner@tcsc.southcom.mil . Parnell