Jamaica Poised to Receive Up to US$6.7 Billion in International Support for Post-Melissa Recovery

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Dec 1, 2025

Jamaica is set to benefit from an unprecedented level of global assistance, with as much as US$6.7 billion in international support expected over the next three years to aid recovery and reconstruction following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa — one of the most destructive storms to ever strike the island.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the commitment as a historic moment of solidarity from the international community, emphasizing that Jamaica’s recovery will require long-term planning, resilience-building, and strategic partnerships. The substantial pledge comes from a coalition of multilateral agencies, international development banks, regional partners, and friendly governments who have publicly acknowledged the scale of destruction and the urgent need for sustained rebuilding support.

A Lifeline After Unprecedented Destruction

Hurricane Melissa’s impact was catastrophic, battering infrastructure, crippling key economic sectors, and leaving thousands displaced. Communities in St. Elizabeth, St. Thomas, Manchester, Westmoreland, and parts of Kingston suffered widespread losses, with roads, agriculture, utilities, and public institutions severely damaged.

Government assessments show that Jamaica’s reconstruction needs go far beyond immediate relief, requiring major investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, housing, health facilities, agriculture rehabilitation, and water systems.

International Partners Step Up

According to early briefings from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the commitments — a blend of grants, concessionary financing, technical support, and resilience packages — will be rolled out across three years. Key partners include:

• The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
• The World Bank Group
• The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
• CAF—Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
• CARICOM member states and regional blocs
• European and Asian development partners

Many of these partners have already dispatched assessment teams to identify priority projects, ranging from road reconstruction to digital infrastructure upgrades, disaster-preparedness systems, and support for vulnerable populations.

Holness: “This Is Rebuilding With Purpose”

Prime Minister Holness has emphasized that the government’s goal is not just restoration, but transformation.

“We have a responsibility to rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient,” he said. “This level of international support reflects confidence in Jamaica’s long-term vision and our commitment to safeguarding our people and economy from future climate shocks.”

The Prime Minister also stressed transparency and accountability, noting that all funds will be aligned with national recovery strategies and subjected to rigorous public oversight.

Focus Areas of the Recovery Plan

Government officials have outlined several priority sectors expected to receive direct support:

• Housing reconstruction, with emphasis on disaster-resilient designs
• Major road and bridge rehabilitation, including rural access routes
• Agriculture recovery programs, particularly in St. Elizabeth and Manchester
• Public health infrastructure upgrades, including hospitals and water systems
• Education sector repairs, with special attention to damaged rural schools
• Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• National disaster-preparedness and early-warning systems

A Turning Point for Jamaica

The US$6.7 billion pledge is among the largest recovery support packages ever promised to a Caribbean nation post-disaster. If fully realized, it will reshape the island’s economic and climate-resilience foundation for decades to come.

For thousands of families still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the announcement brings renewed hope that Jamaica will not only rebuild — but rise stronger.