NAR starts Melissa recovery talks in St. Elizabeth as farm and capital drives advance

The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NAR) has opened early community engagement as it prepares islandwide reconstruction and resilience programmes after Hurricane Melissa. Last week, NAR chief executive officer retired Major General Anthony Anderson toured hard-hit Black River and the fishing community of Parottee in St. Elizabeth with Agriculture Minister and St. Elizabeth Southwestern MP Floyd Green.

Anderson said he needed to hear residents’ views on what happened and their ideas for rebuilding. Some in Parottee are open to relocating after homes were destroyed or badly damaged; others intend to stay, citing deep ties to the area and dependence on the sea for work. Anderson praised their resolve and said NAR must “build back better,” guided by science, engineers, and designs that withstand climate and seismic risks. Green said recovery plans will be data-driven but “people first.”

Phase two of the hurricane farm recovery programme will target yam growers, beekeepers, and livestock and cattle farmers with equipment, fencing, hive restoration, and infrastructure support, Green announced at a farmer field school graduation and handover in St. Andrew. He said $149 million has already gone out under drought mitigation, with water trucking, grass mulch, and free pond liners for catchment ponds available through RADA, plus private-sector help on heat stress in animals.

Separately, 400 pregnant heifers are being shared with dairy farmers under the Jamaica Dairy Development Board’s Heifer Redistribution Programme, a partnership with the ministry and industry partners under the Melissa recovery effort. The launch was at Serge Island Dairies in Danvers Pen, St. Thomas, with animals going through established dairy groups, including Northern Caribbean University and Sydney Pagan STEM Academy. Industry leader Richard Pandohie said the aim is transferring productive capacity so farming underpins economic growth.

Other developments: SPARK paving has started on Serest Drive in Discovery Bay, St. Ann, by the National Works Agency with China Harbour Engineering Company, with temporary traffic delays expected. The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities received 12 tablets and six laptops from the Universal Service Fund to strengthen its digital client platform; the Labour and Social Security Minister also said JCPD representatives will sit on early stimulation, senior citizens, and overseas employment boards. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz reported 100% parent and student satisfaction with the National Rural School Bus Programme—above the 85% target—with talks under way on phase two amid post-Melissa budget pressures.

On capital markets, the Jamaica Stock Exchange Micro Market, launched in June 2026, offers a regulated route for the smallest firms to raise $50 million to $100 million in equity, with governance support and a path toward the Junior Market, plus a five-year income tax holiday after listing and a 50% concession for years six to ten. A JSE sandbox helps firms prepare before listing.

Marking International Chess Day, national under-10 champions Khalil Davy and Noel Noble described how chess builds focus and patience; young players are set for the 36th Pan-American Youth Chess Festival in Colombia. Farmers are also urged to use the Agricultural Receipt Book when selling produce, following Agricultural Produce Act amendments—obtainable via RADA registration and purchase at Jamaica Agricultural Society offices for $1,200—with non-compliance penalties of up to $3 million and three years’ imprisonment.