Top things to know
- Caribbean agencies are reviewing their response to Hurricane Melissa to improve future disaster management.
- Jamaica is establishing the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to lead post-hurricane reconstruction.
- Opposition Leader Mark Golding suggested using local authorities for small capital projects in recovery efforts.
- The Jamaican government is providing new boats and engines to fishers impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
- Sandals Resorts International has extended the closure of three Jamaican resorts for a US$200 million transformation project, initially citing Hurricane Melissa for the closure.
Caribbean agencies are actively reviewing their response to Hurricane Melissa, aiming to identify and address deficiencies in preparedness and recovery strategies across the region. This critical evaluation seeks to enhance future disaster management protocols.
In Jamaica, the government is taking significant steps toward long-term recovery and resilience. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has tabled legislation to establish the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). This new authority will spearhead reconstruction efforts following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last October. NaRRA's mandate includes consolidating and prioritizing projects, establishing performance metrics, and overseeing the implementation of national reconstruction and resilience initiatives.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding has offered recommendations to optimize recovery efforts, suggesting that local authorities and community-level agencies, such as the National Water Commission and National Solid Waste Management Authority, be utilized for smaller, urgent capital projects. This approach, he argued during the 2026/27 Budget Debate, could more effectively address immediate post-hurricane needs, such as debris removal and pedestrian walkway restoration.
The Jamaican government is also providing direct aid to affected sectors. Under the Fisheries Production Incentive Programme, fishers in St. Mary and Portland have received new boats and engines, enabling them to resume their livelihoods. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the fisheries sector, which saw over 3,000 boats damaged during the hurricane.
Meanwhile, the tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation. Sandals Resorts International has extended the closure of three Jamaican resorts – Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast – for a US$200 million upgrade project. While Hurricane Melissa initially prompted their closure, the company decided to expand the scope of renovations, pushing reopening dates to later in 2026 to facilitate a comprehensive reimagining of the properties.