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Selecdeals News Update

— November 2, 2025  

Jamaica Strong 

Jamaica is actively working to "bounce back" from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, a historic Category 5 storm that made landfall on the island on October 28, 2025. Officials and citizens have expressed strong national resilience and a commitment to not just rebuild, but "build back stronger". 

The Challenge

Hurricane Melissa caused "apocalyptic" and "total" devastation, particularly in western parishes like St. Elizabeth and the town of Black River. The damage has been extensive: 

• Infrastructure: Entire communities were flattened, hospitals and police stations were destroyed, and most of the island was left without power and telecommunications.

• Casualties and Displacement: The storm claimed dozens of lives, and thousands of people remain in shelters.

• Economic Impact: Early damage estimates range from US$5 billion to US$16 billion, potentially exceeding the country's annual GDP. 

The Response and Recovery Efforts

In response, a massive, collaborative national and international recovery effort is underway: 

• Financial Aid: Jamaica's catastrophe bond was triggered, providing a quick payout of US$150 million to aid immediate recovery efforts. The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility also made a record payout of $70.8 million.

• Humanitarian Support: The U.N., Red Cross, and other aid agencies have dispatched essential supplies, including shelter kits, water, and food. The US has also sent a disaster response team and military assets to assist.

• Local Initiatives: Jamaican communities, non-profit organizations, and the government are working tirelessly to clear roads, restore essential services, and provide aid, demonstrating strong local resilience.

• Long-term Planning: The recovery process is adopting a "Build Back Better" approach, aiming to create more resilient infrastructure and communities to mitigate future disaster risks. 

The recovery will be a long and difficult road, but the national spirit of the Jamaican people, combined with coordinated aid and strategic rebuilding efforts, gives strong indication that the nation can and will bounce back.

Let's pray, and work hand in hand as we rebuild with promise and resolve. "Wi likkle but wi tallawah!"