Government Focused on Restoring Economic Livelihoods Following Hurricane Melissa
The Government of Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring economic livelihoods in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, as Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness addressed the Official Reopening of Business Kiosks and Shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, on January 16, 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Holness explained that while emergency relief was necessary in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, the Government has deliberately shifted its focus toward economic recovery and business continuity, recognizing that true recovery is measured by the restoration of livelihoods and local enterprise.
“Normalcy returns when local shops and community spaces like Border are back in operation, allowing people to sell goods, earn an income, and support their families through their own efforts,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Holness emphasized that reopening businesses is central to rebuilding communities and restoring dignity and independence to affected families.
“Emergency relief helps people survive the shock, but long-term recovery comes when livelihoods are restored and communities can stand on their own again,” he added.
The target reopening of community businesses forms part of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) Business Restoration Programme, established following the Prime Minister’s directive to prioritize the recovery of businesses in the five parishes most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, including St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, Trelawny, and Hanover. Through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, the programme focused on rapid assessments, targeted reconstruction, and practical support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The Cabinet approved J$20 million to pilot the restoration of retail spaces at Border, enabling the reconstruction of 51 business kiosks and shops, benefitting 45 families, 26 fishermen, and farmers who supply the area. An additional J$42 million was later approved to expand business restoration efforts across other affected parishes. The works at Border included reinforced roofing with hurricane straps, new cement bases, and shared facilities to improve resilience and functionality.
Highlighting the importance of MSMEs to Jamaica’s economy, Dr. Holness noted that restoring small businesses is essential to national recovery.
“When small businesses reopen, communities come back to life. That is how recovery becomes real for everyday Jamaicans.”
The reopening of the Border business kiosks stands as a symbol of resilience, renewal, and national recovery, reflecting the Government’s continued focus on rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening communities, and ensuring that Jamaicans can recover and move forward with confidence after Hurricane Melissa.