National Security Council Discusses Hurricane Melissa Recovery Efforts and National Security
Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness convened the National Security Council (NSC) on November 27, 2025 to discuss the security environment post-Hurricane Melissa. The Prime Minister received updates on its impact on the nation’s security architecture, infrastructure and security personnel affected. The Ministry of National Security and Peace, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA), have all mobilized to support affected staff and repair damaged infrastructure to ensure full service to the public.
The security forces assess that despite significant damage, there was no material security threat or breakdown in public order and that they were able to contain and control isolated incidents without the use of emergency powers.
The Jamaica Customs Agency highlighted that there was a significant increase in goods and materials entering the country, primarily due to the relief effort. Appropriate measures were implemented to ensure the relief items were handled efficiently and securely. As a result, the JCA reported that four firearms were detected and recovered in containers coming in as aid from private consignments. One person is in custody and investigations continue.
Prime Minister Holness is cautioning persons sending relief items to Jamaica not to include illegal goods and weapons in relief packages. The Government will continue to ensure the security and integrity of imported items.
In addition, the National Security Council also noted media reports alleging that relief items were missing from consignments at our ports. While the relevant authorities have not received any formal reports of compromised relief cargo since the hurricane, the NSC views the integrity of our system of processing goods entering the country, and the confidence of the public in securely retrieving their goods, as matters of absolute importance.
To this end, the Prime Minister has directed the JCA and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to conduct a detailed review of their system with a view to identifying any possible gaps and strengthening procedures.
Prime Minister Holness lauded the JDF, JCF, Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and JCA for their coordination of immediate relief efforts. Dr. Holness further gave a directive for the JDF to transition from relief to recovery efforts, starting with the rebuilding of roofs and the expansion of its engineer corps and airlift capability.
Furthermore, the issue of continuity of government was discussed, particularly the ability of first responder entities to stand up critical services immediately after a disaster. The Prime Minister directed that all first responder entities must develop back-up electricity and telecommunication plans, and that as far as possible donated equipment which meet the operational requirements of the first responder entities should be assigned to them to support their resilience.
The Council also examined geopolitical developments within the region and considered mitigating strategies to address potential impacts from rerouted transnational criminal activities in our waters.