Hurricane Melissa: Jonas Coffy Expresses Compassion to Victims in Petit-Goâve

In an emotional message, former minister Jonas Coffy extended his condolences and support to the population of Petit-Goâve on Wednesday, October 30, 2025, a community severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. He calls on authorities for rapid mobilization to assist the victims and rebuild destroyed infrastructure. Hurricane Melissa left a heavy toll in the commune of Petit-Goâve: more than twenty dead, a dozen missing, injured individuals, and numerous homeless. The torrential rains and violent winds also destroyed agricultural lands and essential infrastructure for the local economy. In his message, Jonas Coffy expressed his deep sorrow in the face of this tragedy. He offered his condolences to the bereaved families and his compassion to the residents of the twelve communal sections affected by the disaster. “I share the pain of my brothers and sisters in Petit-Goâve,” he declared, while commending the resilience of the victims. The former minister called on the government to take all necessary measures to support the victims: covering funeral costs, supporting hospitalized injured individuals, distributing food aid, and relocating residents living in at-risk areas. He also insisted on the need to classify certain sites as unsuitable for construction to prevent new tragedies in the future. Jonas Coffy also urged the Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communications (TPTC), Raphaël Hosty, to intervene quickly for the rehabilitation of the La Digue bridge, damaged by the storm, and to assume his responsibilities given the seriousness of the situation. Furthermore, he recommended sending an emergency medical team composed of surgeons, anesthetists, and health technicians to meet the immediate needs of the injured. This mission, according to him, should be carried out in consultation with local, health, and religious authorities. In conclusion, Jonas Coffy expressed his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and implored divine protection for the Haitian people. “I have faith in our population’s ability to overcome the painful consequences of these devastating floods. May God protect the Haitian people, especially the population of Petit-Goâve,” he wrote. The editorial team