Private Sector urges urgent national coordination following Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica’s leading private sector organisations have jointly called on Prime Minister Andrew Holness to implement stronger national coordination and emergency measures in the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa.

In a strongly worded letter dated November 2, 2025, the heads of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) urged the Government to act swiftly to prevent further human suffering and economic dislocation.

The joint appeal — signed by Metry Seaga (PSOJ President), Kathryn Silvera (JMEA President), and Emile G. R. Leiba (JCC President) — described the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa as “devastation of a magnitude never before experienced in our lifetime.”

“It is evident that Jamaica does not currently have the full complement of human, technical, and logistical resources required to adequately meet the urgent needs for road clearance, search and rescue, and the provision of food, shelter, and medical support,” the leaders stated.

While commending the ongoing work of Government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, the organisations warned that the current pace of recovery is falling short of the escalating humanitarian needs.

Key Recommendations

The private sector executives proposed a series of urgent national measures to improve the effectiveness of Jamaica’s disaster response:

1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention — Establishment of centralised “safe zones” across the island to house displaced citizens in secure, well-coordinated environments such as schools, churches, and community centres. These hubs would offer food, water, sanitation, and medical care, with priority given to vulnerable groups including the elderly, women, and children.
2. Coordinated National Relief Command — Creation of a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, reporting directly to Cabinet. The letter suggested that Danville Walker,who has been actively engaged in elements of the recovery, be formally empowered to lead this national command with authority to mobilize resources, direct agencies, and engage international partners.
3. State of Public Emergency (SOE) — Declaration of SOEs in the most severely affected areas, not as a punitive measure but to facilitate faster clearance operations, search and rescue, and the protection of relief supplies.
4. Oversight and Transparency — Formation within seven days of a National Oversight and Recovery Committee, comprising representatives from the Government, Opposition, private sector, and civil society. The model would follow the successful collaborative framework previously chaired by Senator Keith Duncan and Minister Audrey Marks to ensure accountability and national unity during reconstruction.

The letter reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to partnering with the Government and other national stakeholders to rebuild a “stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica.”

“We stand in full solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the Government in the shared mission to restore hope, dignity, and stability to our nation,” the letter concluded.

“The Private Sector remains ready and committed to continue partnering… to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica — one where every citizen feels seen, supported, and safe.”

Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall last week, has left widespread destruction across several parishes, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged. Relief efforts are ongoing as the nation rallies to recover from what many are calling Jamaica’s most devastating storm in modern history.