Jamaica advances hurricane readiness, farm recovery and health partnerships

The Government has announced a wide set of measures covering water relief, community infrastructure, agriculture, health cooperation and post-hurricane recovery, as Jamaica moves through the 2026 hurricane season and continues rebuilding from Hurricane Melissa.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie told Parliament during the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate that $65 million will help St. Elizabeth, Manchester and Portland buy three water trucks for drought response. Another $350 million is to go toward road patching and maintenance islandwide, while $70 million is set aside for drain cleaning.

McKenzie said purpose-built emergency shelters will first be developed in Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Ann and St. Thomas. The facilities are expected to serve communities in normal times and provide accommodation during emergencies. A further $60 million will help local authorities source cots, blankets and other shelter supplies. From July 1, 200 young Jamaicans are to be placed with the Social Development Commission and municipal corporations for shelter management and outreach during the hurricane season.

ODPEM Director General Commander Alvin Gayle said Jamaica’s disaster system remains operational and able to respond, supported by national coordination arrangements, emergency agencies, trained personnel and public information channels. He said readiness must cover hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes and other emergencies.

Jamaica has also signed a four-year health cooperation agreement with Ghana for the voluntary, temporary recruitment of Ghanaian nurses and doctors. A second memorandum covers defence cooperation. The countries also agreed to pursue work in culture, education, air services, trade, investment, agriculture logistics, manufacturing, energy and the creative industries. A trade mission led by Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Senator Aubyn Hill is scheduled to visit Ghana in July.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, on mission in China until June 6, said Jamaica is seeking Chinese technical support to revive rice production and expand fish farming. Separately, the ministry is advancing a 10-year agricultural development plan with FAO support, a $250 million recovery intervention for farmers affected by Hurricane Melissa, 5,000 backyard gardening kits and aeroponic towers, a fruit tree programme, a livestock policy, dairy and goat expansion, and a $145 million RADA mini pond programme for drought-hit farming areas.

Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the Government is monitoring Jamaican students in Cuba amid economic and energy difficulties there. She said stipends have been increased and released early, no repatriation requests have been received, and three students have asked about transcript or transfer arrangements with The University of the West Indies.

In St. Elizabeth, the Industry Ministry said Cabinet approved $20 million to help rebuild business spaces at Border, where Hurricane Melissa damaged stalls used by vendors and fishers. Officials said 51 new shops were built, with additional support including generators for small businesses in affected communities.