UNDP reports recovery progress for Jamaican communities 6 months after Hurricane Melissa

Hundreds of small and micro enterprises (SMEs) across Jamaica are showing signs of recovery six months after Hurricane Melissa, as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues rolling out its Resilient Recovery Initiative, aimed at stabilising livelihoods, restoring commerce and strengthening climate resilience.

The update was provided as part of the UNDP Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative (JARRI), which is supporting communities still rebuilding after the category-impacting storm that made landfall on October 28, 2025.

According to UNDP, the programme is already benefiting thousands of people through livelihood restoration, debris clearance, and clean energy solutions designed to help communities recover faster and better withstand future shocks.

UNDP Officer in Charge and Assistant Resident Representative Lesley Ann Ennevor said the initiative is showing early results, particularly in the fisheries sector, where solar-powered infrastructure is reducing losses and improving earnings for fishers.

Solar container hubs installed at Galleon Beach and Parottee, along with a facility at Rio Nuevo, are now serving more than 300 fishers and indirectly supporting around 6,500 people in surrounding communities. The systems provide cold storage, internet access and charging services, helping fishers avoid distress sales and secure improved prices for their catch.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the National Fisheries Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, alongside local fishing communities. UNDP says it plans to expand the model to additional coastal areas.

The programme is also working with the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers, the Bureau of Gender Affairs and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs to support the recovery of 125 SMEs in affected communities. Assistance includes productive inputs such as feed, fertilizer, equipment and other supplies to restart business operations.

Special focus is being placed on enterprises led by women and persons with disabilities, alongside efforts to build long-term business continuity and disaster resilience skills.

In addition, JARRI’s debris management programme has cleared 890 tonnes of debris from two communities in Westmoreland, benefiting an estimated 18,000 residents. The work is being carried out through a cash-for-work model, providing temporary income for residents affected by the disaster while supporting cleanup efforts.

UNDP said recycling components have also been introduced in select communities as part of the broader recovery strategy.

Beyond immediate relief, the agency is also supporting longer-term planning, including development of a Master Spatial Plan for Black River to reduce vulnerability to future flooding and storm surge events. Additional interventions targeting wetlands and forests, as well as the establishment of technical assistance centres to promote resilient building practices, are expected to roll out soon.

Hurricane Melissa, described by officials as the strongest climate-related disaster in Jamaica’s modern history, resulted in 45 deaths, widespread infrastructure damage, and an estimated 4.8 million tonnes of debris.

UNDP, which serves as a lead agency for resilient recovery within the UN system in Jamaica, said its focus remains on strengthening climate and crisis resilience while supporting communities as they rebuild livelihoods and local economies.

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