Jamaica’s renowned Blue Mountain coffee industry has been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with estimated losses reaching $1 billion, according to Norman Grant, chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association. Grant revealed that approximately 100,000 boxes of coffee, valued at $10,000 each, were lost due to the hurricane, which also damaged coffee trees and infrastructure. This latest blow compounds the sector’s struggles, as it has faced consecutive losses during wet seasons over the past four years, accumulating a staggering $2.5 billion deficit. The hurricane’s aftermath has left critical roads to coffee factories impassable, with some areas still cut off days after the storm. Grant emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, including the implementation of the Coffee Crop Resuscitation and Establishment Programme (CREP), to revive production and support 5,000 affected farmers. He also called for immediate restoration of electricity and communication services in key areas. While acknowledging the devastation in western Jamaica, Grant urged authorities to prioritize aid for the Blue Mountain coffee industry, which is vital to the nation’s economy. Jamaica, the 58th largest coffee exporter globally, generated $26.2 million in coffee exports in 2023, making the sector’s recovery crucial for economic stability.