KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a decisive response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced the cancellation of all official Christmas parties for state entities this year. Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon made the announcement during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, signaling a shift in priorities toward national recovery efforts.
Minister Dixon clarified that while large-scale, external celebrations are prohibited, small internal gatherings for staff recognition and morale-building within government offices will be permitted. ‘We have agreed to allow small in-ministry or in-department recognition or morale-building activities,’ Dixon stated. ‘If you are doing something in the office, it’s fine, but no rental of external venues is allowed.’
The minister instead urged government agencies to organize outreach activities targeting team members adversely affected by the hurricane’s impact. Extending this call beyond the public sector, Dixon encouraged private sector entities to maintain their support for relief initiatives, noting concerning reports of event cancellations at hotels that could further strain the economy.
Highlighting the disproportionate economic impact on western regions of the island, Dixon made a unique appeal to Jamaicans in less-affected areas: ‘We really do need to kind of make up for what is happening in the west in terms of the downturn in economic activity. Those of us in areas that haven’t been affected as much, please go out and spend money. The economy needs it, but, at the same time, spend time doing outreach in the affected areas.’ This dual approach aims to balance economic stimulation with direct humanitarian assistance in the recovery process.