Six months after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that recovery is steadily underway under its Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative (JARRI). The programme is helping hundreds of small and micro enterprises rebuild livelihoods while also restoring local markets and supporting community members through debris clearance and paid work opportunities.
A key focus has been supporting the fisheries sector, where solar-powered container hubs installed at Galleon Beach, Parottee, and Rio Nuevo are reducing post-harvest losses and improving income stability. These clean energy hubs provide reliable refrigeration, internet access, and charging facilities, benefiting over 300 fishers and indirectly supporting around 6,500 people in surrounding communities by preventing food spoilage and enabling better market prices.
UNDP is also working with national and community partners to support the recovery of 125 small and micro enterprises in affected areas. These businesses are receiving essential inputs such as equipment, feed, fertilizer, and goods to restart operations. Special attention is being given to women-led enterprises and businesses owned by persons with disabilities, along with training to strengthen business continuity and resilience against future crises.
In parallel, the debris management programme has removed around 890 tonnes of waste from affected communities in Westmoreland, benefiting approximately 18,000 people. Implemented through a cash-for-work approach, the initiative has provided temporary income for residents while also introducing recycling practices in selected areas.
Beyond immediate recovery efforts, UNDP is supporting longer-term resilience planning, including the development of a Master Spatial Plan for Black River to reduce vulnerability to future hurricanes and flooding. Additional initiatives are being prepared to restore wetlands and forests and to establish technical assistance centres to guide safer, more resilient construction practices.
Overall, UNDP’s recovery efforts aim to restore livelihoods, strengthen community resilience, and rebuild essential infrastructure following Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and millions of tonnes of debris across Jamaica.
