Jamaica secures $6.7bn for hurricane recovery and reconstruction plan

In December 2025, Jamaica secured $6.7 billion in financial support from international institutions to fund a three-year reconstruction plan following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in October. The hurricane caused an estimated $10 billion in damage due to catastrophic flooding and landslides. Funding will come from organizations like the CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the IMF, the World Bank, and others. The package includes up to $3.6 billion in government financing. The reconstruction plan aims to restore what was lost and strengthen Jamaica's resilience to future disasters through long-term investments and comprehensive planning.

Jamaica's tourism industry, which accounts for nearly a third of the nation's economy, is working to recover after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island in October. The Category 5 storm killed at least 45 people and damaged approximately 150,000 buildings, significantly impacting the tourism sector. With the crucial winter travel season approaching, Jamaican authorities are aiming to reopen about 70 percent of the country's 35,000 hotel rooms by mid-December. Tourism officials and hotel operators are encouraging tourists to visit, emphasizing that their support is vital for the recovery of the island's economy and the livelihoods of many Jamaicans. The reopening goal is ambitious, and some hotels may not meet the deadline due to extensive damage and ongoing utility issues.

Jamaica is urging tourists to visit despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October, which crippled the island's vital tourism industry. The category 5 storm killed at least 45 people and damaged approximately 150,000 buildings, impacting the livelihoods of over half a million Jamaicans who depend on tourism. With nearly a third of the country's economy reliant on tourism, authorities are working to reopen hotels, aiming to have 70% of the 35,000 hotel rooms ready by December 15th, the start of the winter travel season. While some hotels face significant damage and lack essential services, officials and operators are emphasizing that tourism is crucial for recovery, encouraging visitors to support the island's economy. The affected areas are currently undergoing cleanup efforts.

British MPs are calling for extra aid and humanitarian visas for Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, which has caused a humanitarian crisis in the country. The UK has pledged £7.5m in emergency funds to Jamaica and other islands affected by the hurricane. However, many argue that the country should do more to support former Caribbean colonies. MPs Dawn Butler and Diane Abbott are requesting temporary humanitarian visas and fee waivers for vulnerable relatives of UK nationals affected by the storm. They believe the UK has a moral obligation to provide long-term assistance to Jamaica. The calls come as the UK's Jamaican population is among those most affected by the hurricane, with many facing displacement and economic hardship.

British MPs are calling for extra aid and humanitarian visas for Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, which has caused a humanitarian crisis in the country. The UK has pledged £7.5m in emergency funds to Jamaica and other islands affected by the hurricane. However, many argue that the country should do more to support former Caribbean colonies. MPs Dawn Butler and Diane Abbott are requesting temporary humanitarian visas and fee waivers for vulnerable relatives of UK nationals affected by the storm. They believe the UK has a moral obligation to provide long-term assistance to Jamaica. The calls come as the UK's Jamaican population is among those most affected by the hurricane, with many facing displacement and economic hardship.