Holness urges Jamaicans to support national rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is calling on Jamaicans to take an active role in rebuilding the country, saying national development cannot be left to government alone after the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In his Labour Day message, Holness said the hurricane had left serious damage across Jamaica. He noted that while communities, businesses and families have made different levels of progress since the disaster, some households are still without secure housing, reliable community services and steady income.

Addressing those still under pressure, the prime minister said, "You are not forgotten." He also pointed to the Government’s continuing recovery programme, saying more than $67 billion has been committed to help families affected by Hurricane Melissa and to support rebuilding work.

Holness said this year’s Labour Day theme should remind Jamaicans that reconstruction requires shared responsibility. He urged citizens to view themselves not as bystanders, but as contributors to the country’s recovery and long-term development.

He said the rebuilding process gives Jamaica a chance to fix long-standing weaknesses, lower future risks and strengthen communities so they can better withstand storms and other emergencies.

The prime minister encouraged practical acts of service, including fixing leaking classrooms at basic schools, replacing damaged clinic windows, clearing overgrown spaces at community centres, and cleaning yards, gateways, drains and sidewalks.

Holness said small efforts, when repeated across the island, can produce major national results. He described Labour Day as more than a day of work, saying it should reflect purpose, service, discipline and pride in country.

He said Jamaica can overcome storms, setbacks and other challenges if citizens each make a contribution to recovery, preparedness and national strengthening.