The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Development Fund (CDF) has authorized a $500,000 relief package to assist Jamaica in recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The decision was formally approved by the CDF’s Board of Directors on November 19, 2025, under the Emergency Disaster Assistance Facility (EDAF), as announced by CARICOM Communications. This funding follows an earlier $300,000 grant allocated to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) Regional Response Mechanism (RRM), which facilitated the deployment of the Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) to assess the damage. Hurricane Melissa, a powerful late-season storm, caused widespread destruction across Jamaica, including severe flooding, wind damage, and infrastructure collapse. Many parishes reported significant disruptions to transportation, utilities, and community services, exacerbating vulnerabilities and hindering recovery efforts. The newly approved aid will focus on debris removal, reopening critical access routes, and addressing public health and environmental risks. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Multi-Country Office in Jamaica. CDF CEO Rodinald Soomer emphasized the Fund’s commitment to regional solidarity, stating, ‘This relief package reflects our belief in shared responsibility and aims to not only rebuild but also strengthen resilience against future disasters.’
CARICOM Development Fund signs off on emergency $500,000 for Jamaica’s post-hurricane Melissa recovery
