Nicholas Moore
Nov 19, 2025
Bottom Line: Jamaica is facing a historic recovery challenge — the scale of damage is among the worst in its history, and rebuilding will require massive financial aid, infrastructure work, and coordinated recovery.
🇯🇲 Jamaica Today — Key Developments
Massive Reconstruction Financing Gap
Jamaica is facing a US$9.5 billion funding gap to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa.
Despite having some disaster reserves (via a catastrophe bond and parametric insurance), the scale of destruction greatly exceeded Jamaica’s preparedness.
The government is calling for grants, concessional financing, and investments from wealthier countries—emphasizing that they do not want to further saddle the nation with high-interest debt.
Economic Impact Is Severe
Prime Minister Andrew Holness estimates the hurricane caused damage equivalent to 28–32% of Jamaica’s GDP.
Short-term economic output could decline by 8–13%, with huge hits to tourism, agriculture, retail, and small- and medium-sized businesses.
Economists estimate infrastructure damage (roads, housing, utilities) could reach US$16 billion (~J$2.5 trillion).
Huge Debris Pile Slowing Recovery
UNDP satellite analysis shows over 4.8 million tonnes of debris strewn across western Jamaica, equivalent to about 480,000 truckloads.
The debris is blocking access to critical infrastructure—roads, schools, hospitals—and slowing down relief and rebuilding efforts.
Power, Connectivity, and Services
Roughly 50% of households remain without electricity, though mobile service is recovering.
Flow Jamaica reports mobile network traffic has rebounded to ~80% of pre-storm levels in many areas.
Emergency services like Starlink are being used to restore connectivity in the hardest-hit communities.
Tourism Sector Playing a Key Role in Recovery
The tourism industry is working to bounce back. The Tourism Minister expects many hotels to be operational by Dec 15, just in time for peak season.
Some properties have given 25–50% discounts or even complimentary stays to aid workers, volunteers, and displaced residents.
Small Businesses Are Rallying
Local business leaders, including those from JN Bank, are calling on entrepreneurs to step up.
Recovery strategies include redesigning business models, restoring inventory, and leveraging reconstruction contracts.
