KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has escalated its disaster response efforts with a substantial financial injection to support small enterprises devastated by Hurricane Melissa last October. Cabinet officials have sanctioned an additional J$42 million in recovery funding, specifically targeting commercial rehabilitation in the hardest-hit parishes.
Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, addressed the Senate last Friday regarding the comprehensive support package. The allocation will prioritize structural renovations and infrastructure improvements across multiple regions including Middle Quarters in St. Elizabeth, alongside targeted areas in St. James, Trelawny, and Hanover—all severely affected by the hurricane’s path.
This latest financial commitment supplements the initial J$20 million approved on November 10th, which successfully restored 44 retail establishments at Border, St. Elizabeth. Those earlier interventions included concrete foundation reinforcement, hurricane-resistant roof strapping systems, and flood prevention infrastructure featuring boulder-and-concrete revetments behind commercial properties.
The current phase expands restoration efforts to include modernized customer amenities such as upgraded kitchens, seating areas, and sanitary facilities. Simultaneously, the ministry is addressing power infrastructure vulnerabilities through emergency generator distribution. Through transparent tender processes, 15 generators have already been procured with an additional 25 units in the acquisition pipeline.
Minister Hill detailed the strategic deployment of 11 gasoline generators throughout South St. James, enabling businesses without refrigeration to resume perishable goods sales amid ongoing power disruptions. This temporary energy solution supports community commerce until Jamaica Public Service Company restores permanent electricity infrastructure.
Comprehensive damage assessments conducted between November 10 and December 1, 2025, identified 1,293 businesses requiring intervention. Notable damage concentrations occurred in Accompong Maroon village where 25 enterprises necessitated repairs, with wooden structures experiencing complete destruction and concrete buildings sustaining substantial roof damage. While some shops maintain partial operations, the ministry confirms ongoing generator installations will address persistent power reliability challenges.