Post Cabinet Press Briefing Report- December 3, 2025
The press briefing opens with a welcome and an introduction to the Post-Cabinet press briefing format, emphasizing ongoing updates related to Hurricane Melissa. The host highlights the presence of several key government officials, including Minister of Finance Fayval Williams, Minister of Agriculture Floyd Green, Minister of Industry Aubyn Hill, Minister of Culture Olivia Grange, and Parliamentary Secretary Marlon Morgan. The briefing underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability by regularly presenting leadership to report on government actions and answer public questions. Several permanent secretaries and agency heads are also introduced, indicating a range of updates across education, disaster preparedness, agriculture, fisheries, and youth affairs.
The briefing transitions to updates from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management with Commander Alvin Gayle providing key information on the status and progress of recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. This segment signals the beginning of detailed reports on Cabinet decisions and government initiatives.
Hurricane Melissa Impact and Recovery Update
The National Emergency Operations Center in Jamaica remains active, coordinating national responses across five key areas including logistics, damage assessment, infrastructure restoration, humanitarian aid, and coordination. As of 8:00 a.m., the confirmed death toll from Hurricane Military stands at 45, with 18 missing. Water supply restoration efforts are progressing, with 82% of National Water Commission (NWC) customers restored islandwide and 61% in the western parishes. Approximately 10 million gallons of water have been delivered, and 12 additional water trucks have been deployed to ensure equitable distribution. Food assistance has reached over 259,000 care packages and 3.2 million hot meals, primarily in the western parishes, with partners such as the World Food Program and World Central Kitchens supporting these efforts.
Nutritional support remains a priority with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, supported by PAHO, UNICEF, and WHO, providing iron tablets, folate, and high-nutrition supplements. Training programs for frontline personnel on nutrition have been completed. Health sector restoration is advancing steadily, with over 50% of health care centers operational, including 24 hospitals and 325 health centers nationwide. The Ministry is intensifying public education on infectious diseases due to recent flooding and debris.
Humanitarian protection efforts continue with about 100 shelters active, housing 117 people who receive meals, hygiene supplies, psychological support, and medical assistance. Partners include social development agencies, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the International Organization for Migration, who assist with shelter management through assessments and training. The Jamaica Constabulary Force supports community safety by conducting welfare checks and distributing 10,500 care packages to vulnerable communities.
Damage assessments have covered 1.6 million buildings, with 215,000 identified as damaged, including 156,000 with roof damage. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security, with sector support, has completed 31,000 damage assessments to facilitate sheltering and rebuilding plans. Logistics operations have scaled up, with over 100 shipments totaling more than 2,000 metric tons of relief supplies arriving, including food, hygiene products, medical supplies, and shelter materials. The National Logistics System is being strengthened with support from multiple agencies, and a disaster management information system is being rolled out.
Energy restoration has reached approximately 80%, one of the fastest recovery rates seen in multiple countries. Telecommunications recovery is also strong, with over 90% of post-hurricane traffic back online. In the education sector, 73 schools still serve as shelters, with ongoing efforts to relocate residents to safe housing. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, supported by the ODPEM, is leading the transition process.
Private sector engagement is significant in the recovery effort, including reopening ports and cruise ship piers. Restoration of ATMs and remittance services is critical, especially since 39% of Jamaicans receive monthly remittances. Restoration rates vary by parish, with St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St. James above 50%, Hanover at 20%, and Trelawny at 47%. The national response remains grounded in coordination, transparency, and partnership across government, civil society, international actors, and citizens. While progress is notable, recovery efforts continue with a commitment to resilience and rapid restoration of normalcy across Jamaica.
National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority
The government is establishing the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) to lead Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts. Cabinet is carefully designing NARA’s legal and procurement framework to ensure rapid, accountable action without bureaucratic delays. The aim is to rebuild quickly yet responsibly, recognizing the urgency faced by Jamaicans.
Cabinet will soon provide detailed information about all donations received and their allocation to dispel misconceptions of partisan distribution. Transparency will highlight equity in aid distribution across constituencies. Additionally, Cabinet decided that funds donated through Support Jamaica will be used specifically to purchase building materials for rebuilding damaged homes.
The Ministry of Labor is conducting field assessments of damaged houses, tagging and geolocating them to ensure accountability. Funds will be traceably allocated to households in need. Guyana’s Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), will assist in rebuilding damaged homes using materials purchased with Support Jamaica funds.
Rebuilding efforts will focus on homes officially assessed as damaged, primarily in East Westmoreland. Guyana has committed to rebuilding 200 houses, with JDF supporting additional reconstruction. The local Member of Parliament is coordinating identification of eligible families. The government emphasizes full accountability and transparency in the use of funds for hurricane recovery.
Following the update on rebuilding efforts, the focus shifts to upcoming announcements from Minister Williams, including initiatives for young people. Students from Mico University College were present to hear these important updates, highlighting the government’s engagement with youth and future development plans.
Student Loan Bureau Debt Reset Launch
The Student Loan Bureau (SLB) is undergoing transformation with new offices, improved IT systems, and customer-centric services. The government of Jamaica has introduced policies to ease access to tertiary education, including lower interest rates, removal of guarantor requirements, and extended loan tenures. The bureau has assisted over 350,000 students with approximately $65 billion in loans. Minister Williams emphasizes the importance of student loans for enabling education and highlights efforts to increase awareness and acceptance among students and parents.
The SLB is advancing its digital capabilities with a new customer portal allowing online registration, loan applications, payments, and statement printing. The portal requires login credentials (email and password) and provides detailed loan information. Currently, the SLB has over 35,000 active loans with varying repayment statuses. The debt reset program aims to help students reduce loan balances, eliminate charges, and create sustainable repayment plans by offering waivers and financial incentives.
The debt reset program offers a 50% waiver on interest arrears, 100% waiver on charges and insurance fees, and allows students to repay over five months. Good standing students receive a $100,000 credit on their loan accounts and may qualify for a 2% interest rate reduction after one year of consistent payments. The SLB is also supporting those affected by Hurricane Melissa through grants and deferment programs targeting students and borrowers in five parishes, with additional case-by-case support for others impacted.
SLB reaffirms its commitment to innovation, digital excellence, and financial stewardship while expanding access to tertiary education. The bureau encourages borrowers to take advantage of the debt reset program to bring loans current and maintain consistent repayments, emphasizing a community-focused approach to financial responsibility. Minister Williams highlights the bureau’s 54-year legacy and its ongoing mission to empower Jamaicans through affordable education financing.
Minister Williams and other officials celebrate the SLB’s progress, including the ability for borrowers to check balances online and receive financial relief through the debt reset program. The initiative rewards timely payments and provides significant debt reductions for those with arrears. The SLB aims to support borrowers positively, emphasizing that repayment history affects credit scores and financial futures. The event marks the fulfillment of a manifesto commitment, with promises of further announcements and continued support.
Agriculture Sector Recovery Efforts
Minister Green is introduced and commended for his role in government business. He acknowledges his colleagues, ministry officials, and media members before beginning his presentation. He shares personal gratitude for the Student Loan Bureau and highlights the critical role of farmers and fishers, especially in the aftermath of recent devastating agricultural damage.
Minister Green outlines the extensive damage to Jamaica’s agricultural sector from Hurricane Melissa, with updated assessments estimating around 300 million USD in losses. He describes visits to various affected farming communities and emphasizes the unprecedented scale of the disaster. Despite this, he praises the resilience of farmers who are actively working to replant and restore their operations.
The government’s recovery efforts are detailed, with RADA leading the national agricultural recovery program. Initial funding of 3 billion Jamaican dollars has been allocated for restoration focused on production, infrastructure, and climate resilience. Phase one involved rapid damage assessment using drones, due to the destruction of extension officers’ homes and offices.
The Ministry has distributed seeds and fertilizer to thousands of farmers across multiple parishes and begun restoration of damaged offices. Phase two of recovery will intensify interventions over six months, including procurement of additional seeds and fertilizer, with special attention to yam farmers who experienced significant crop damage.
Recovery efforts include procuring planting materials and greenhouse supplies to support nursery production and hydroponic farmers. A free land preparation program is underway, offering tractor services to farmers based on acreage, along with partnerships to engage private tractor operators to facilitate agricultural recovery.
Targeted recovery initiatives focus on sweet potato production, water infrastructure including tanks and drip irrigation, and emergency repairs to farm roads with an initial 800 million Jamaican dollars allocated. The importance of functional farm roads for market access is emphasized to support farmers’ livelihoods.
Livestock losses are significant, with nearly half a million hens and 700,000 broilers lost. The ministry has procured broiler chicks and feed to rebuild production and is supporting farmers with infrastructure repair. Efforts extend to pig, cattle, and small ruminant farmers with feed procurement. The National Irrigation Commission has restored water services to 85% of pumping stations, deployed generators, and provided free water to affected communities.
The Agro Invest Corporation has launched a 1,000 acre boost recovery program to rapidly restore key crops in several parishes. This includes land preparation, canal cleaning, road repairs, irrigation, seedling supply, and fertilizer distribution. A matching grant scheme offers up to 750,000 Jamaican dollars for farmers’ tools and supplies. The Jamaica Social Stock Exchange is also supporting recovery efforts through fundraising.
The fisheries sector suffered extensive damage with thousands of boats and fishing gear lost. Immediate relief includes distribution of wire, water tanks for hygiene and post-harvest handling, and ice to fishing communities. Fuel stations critical to fisheries are being restored with generators. Fishers who lost identification and licenses will receive replacements free of charge, and a six-month moratorium on fees is in place for affected parishes.
Cleanup efforts continue in fishing areas with teams deployed to remove debris and recover stranded boats. Veterinary services are providing free clinics across parishes for animal care, including treatment, vaccines, and nutritional support. The Ministry facilitated the rescue and export of stranded dogs. They are also enhancing capacity to diagnose leptospirosis and seeking international support to establish a veterinary field hospital in the western region
The Ministry acknowledges private sector and NGO contributions, including financial and material support from various international and local partners. They confirm sufficient food supply for Christmas by analyzing demand and production patterns and securing external sources to cover shortfalls, especially for vegetables and table eggs. Discussions with the Ministry of Finance aim to ensure affordability for consumers.
Agricultural protection efforts are highlighted, focusing on preventing livestock theft which tends to increase during the Christmas season. The National Animal Identification and Traceability System faces challenges due to backlog and enforcement issues. The Ministry is working with police and veterinary services to improve tagging efforts and reduce illegal activities affecting farmers and butchers.
To enhance livestock tagging, eight interns from CASE have been deployed to assist in high-need parishes. The Minister concludes with thanks and encouragement, stressing the importance of these recovery initiatives. The session ends with a positive note about the government’s ongoing efforts across agriculture, fisheries, and livestock to support farmers and ensure food security for the upcoming Christmas period.
Small Business Restoration and Support
Minister Aubyn Hill discusses his Ministry’s work, highlighting the dedication of his team who have been tirelessly working in rural areas following a hurricane. He introduces key officials, including Dr. Cliff Riley, head of Hazardous Substances Regulation, emphasizing the importance of proper dental radiation safety. Minister Hill notes Jamaica’s unique possession of a nuclear plant at a university and mentions collaboration with various agencies such as the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, the Bureau of Standards, and JAMPRO.
Minister Hill outlines efforts toward business restoration in affected areas like Border in St. Elizabeth and White House in Westmoreland. He congratulates Minister Williams on her work with international financial institutions and the Student Loan Bureau. He recounts his experience representing Jamaica abroad during the hurricane and describes how he transformed his ministry into a business restoration working group to support small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in getting back on their feet.
Additionally, Minister Hill coordinated a team including 21 permanent secretaries to focus on restoring businesses impacted by the hurricane. Emphasizing the importance of reactivating MSMEs, he explains that around 15,000 small businesses, or 20% of operating businesses in Jamaica, were prioritized. The government secured initial funding from cabinet to support these businesses, with a focus on local clusters like Border in St. Elizabeth, where many family-run shops and suppliers operate.
Minister Hill describes a site visit to the Border area with engineers and team members to assess and rebuild 44 small shops, many run by women. He highlights challenges with emergency procurement processes that are not suited for urgent disaster response, stressing the need for legislative reform. The rebuilding approach includes strengthening structures with concrete foundations and hurricane straps to withstand future storms.
Minister Hill provides updates on visits to over 600 affected businesses across several parishes, including Trench Town, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, and St. James. He emphasizes collaboration with major distributors to ensure supply chains remain intact, noting warehouses have ample goods ready for distribution. The goal is to revive businesses so they generate revenue, reduce reliance on care packages, and contribute to government finances, ultimately supporting economic recovery.
The reconstruction of shops in Border is nearly complete, with all new structures built to stronger standards. Minister Hill mentions support from corporate figures like Sean Paul, who donated building materials early on. He addresses community concerns about taxation rumors, assuring that the government’s focus is on aid and rebuilding without imposing new taxes. Additional improvements include building protective revetments and community facilities to ensure long-term resilience.
Minister Hill stresses the commitment to build back better, not just restoring but improving infrastructure and businesses for the future. He draws on his private sector experience to advocate for urgency balanced with accountability, highlighting the need for quicker government response mechanisms. Updates include ongoing repairs to major meat and grocery operations in White House, with expectations to finalize decisions quickly to avoid delays in reconstruction.
Following a directive from the Prime Minister, Minister Hill dispatched teams to assess damage and assist businesses in Accompong. The teams were well received and completed repairs on 25 houses. The Ministry continues to work across multiple constituencies, including large rural areas in St. James, installing generators and supporting local shops as community hubs to facilitate economic recovery.
Minister Hill details expanding generator installations and business support in South St. James, working closely with MPs and government officials to establish a voucher system aimed at helping vulnerable groups such as unemployed mothers and the elderly access essential goods. He highlights collaboration with the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and EXIM Bank to provide financial relief, including moratoriums on loans for MSMEs, enabling businesses to stabilize and contribute to Jamaica’s post-disaster recovery and economic resilience.
Minister Hill concludes by emphasizing Jamaica’s history of resilience and the unique opportunity to rebuild stronger with local and international support. He reiterates the critical role of businesses in recovery and expresses confidence in Jamaica’s potential to emerge better than before the disaster.
Culture, Entertainment, and Relief Efforts
Minister Grange opens by acknowledging colleagues and ministry support, then provides an update on efforts by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport in hurricane relief. She expresses deep gratitude to first responders, emergency teams, and the Jamaican people both at home and abroad for their continuous support and solidarity during Hurricane Melissa.
The Minister details the ‘I Love Jamaica’ initiative, which includes concerts and telethons to raise funds for hurricane relief. The virtual concert on November 23, 2025 successfully raised over $65 million Jamaican dollars, with $45.7 million already deposited. She thanked various partners including artists from diverse Jamaican music genres, corporate sponsors, and media for their contributions to the fundraising effort.
The telethon featured nearly 30 leading Jamaican artists from reggae, dancehall, and gospel genres coming together in a rare collaboration. The Minister emphasizes the unity displayed by the entertainment community and appreciates the support from sponsors like Red Stripe and Digicel, as well as media, medical, technical, and logistics teams who made the event successful.
Minister Grange reads a condolence letter from Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia, who expresses sympathy for Jamaica and pledges a $5,000 US donation from the Royal Ethiopian Trust. The prince also calls on his supporters to contribute to relief efforts. The Minister notes campaigns launched by Jamaican entertainers in Hollywood and announces ongoing discussions with diaspora groups to hold more ‘I Love Jamaica’ concerts worldwide.
Several upcoming concerts are announced: a gospel concert in Sunrise, Florida on December 6; the Jamaica Strong Charity Concert in Long Island, New York on December 12 featuring prominent artists; and the Stay Strong Jamaica concert at Hard Rock Cafe in Long Island on January 2. Plans for concerts in Nairobi, Dubai, Qatar, and UAE are also underway. The Minister thanks religious and faith-based communities for their ongoing spiritual and emotional support during the crisis.
The National Religious and Faith-based Hurricane Task Force, led by Bishop Herro Blair and Bishop Benguche, was formed to coordinate support efforts and align requests with government protocols. The task force organized national days of prayer across multiple weekends in November, contributing significantly to the relief effort. Despite damage to over 300 church buildings, congregations across all parishes continue to serve their communities faithfully.
The National Registry of Volunteers was established via the Support Jamaica website, enabling volunteers to register their skills and availability to assist in recovery activities such as food distribution, medical aid, and counseling. As of November 24, over 4,300 volunteers have registered and have been deployed to various ministries to support relief efforts. The Minister mentions ongoing cultural community visits led by the Prime Minister and plans to visit additional communities affected by the hurricane.
Minister Grange highlights the unity and spirit of cooperation witnessed across cultural, gender, entertainment, and sport sectors during the relief efforts. She reaffirms the Jamaican motto ‘Out of many, one people’ and expresses gratitude to all who have contributed.
Crime Reduction and Disability Inclusion Update
The press briefing highlighted a significant decline in the murder rate, emphasizing its positive impact on families. Despite Hurricane Melissa, government efforts continue, including reopening the Little London police station. The administration also acknowledged the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and committed to accessibility and inclusion in decision-making.
Questions began with Commander Gayle explaining that the Jamaica Defence Force’s engineering regiment, comprising builders, masons, plumbers, and electricians, is assisting with house rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Melissa. Military teams have conducted assessments and will continue working alongside other volunteer groups.
Ms. Nickeisha Walsh from the Student Loan Bureau (SLB) announced that the student loan debt reset platform will go live on Monday, allowing students to apply. A student from Mico University College asked about measures to support students in schools still used as shelters, raising concerns about academic delays.
The government recognizes the challenges faced by students in shelters, balancing immediate needs with education. Efforts are underway to decommission shelters by finding alternative accommodations that preserve dignity. Upon returning to school, students will receive remediation and psychosocial support to address trauma and learning losses, especially in key subjects like Math and English, with special initiatives planned for disadvantaged areas.
Questions addressed the government’s manifesto commitments amid disaster recovery. Minister Williams affirmed that all commitments, including income tax threshold increases, remain on track despite Hurricane Melissa. Senator Hill discussed procurement challenges, explaining that existing rules are overly restrictive, hindering swift disaster relief.
Senator Hill elaborated on the need to balance compliance with efficient action, highlighting efforts to reduce bureaucratic layers. Minister Green responded to questions about agricultural support, confirming ongoing government initiatives to establish agri-parks on government land in various parishes to aid farmers affected by the hurricane, including partnerships to develop infrastructure and access to water.
Further questions focused on budget transparency for Hurricane Melissa relief, with requests for detailed allocations by the Ministry of Finance. Minister Williams confirmed the supplementary budget details are available in the parliamentary ‘yellow book,’ which includes a 29.3 billion allocation for hurricane response. Queries about the voucher program for food assistance were raised; officials noted it is in an assessment phase with data still being gathered to determine scope and cost.
Minister Williams clarified that a 150 million US dollar loan to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) is part of a 2.4 billion window for private sector lending within the international aid package and does not require a government guarantee, thus not increasing national debt. A student asked about extending the SLB loan application period and eligibility for PATH beneficiaries, with SLB confirming the application period is open until February 2026 and that beneficiaries can only receive one grant.
Minister Hill addressed inquiries about increased excise taxes in Trinidad affecting regional products, noting ongoing technical and diplomatic engagement through CARICOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regarding post-Melissa investment attraction, efforts focus on mining, agriculture, tourism, logistics, and fintech sectors, with ongoing partnerships and international investor interest, including a notable 43 million US dollar investment in a new sugar plant.
Minister Green discussed the future of hot meal programs provided by World Central Kitchen and World Food Program, noting a planned wind-down by end of December with reduced service on Sundays. The government is exploring options to continue food assistance. When asked about expenditures on food aid so far, officials indicated the figures are not immediately available but will be provided later.
Regarding restoration of historic buildings damaged by Hurricane Melissa, efforts are underway with UNESCO support to assess and preserve cultural sites. Some artifacts are being salvaged, and adaptive restoration techniques are being explored. Workshops with experts have been conducted to enhance local capacity. Further updates on cultural restoration efforts will be provided in future briefings.
The press briefing concluded with a call to observe 16 days of activism against violence toward women and girls, encouraging all to wear purple ribbons in support. Minister Dixon emphasized resilience despite Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, acknowledging ongoing government, private sector, and donor efforts. The importance of unity and continued assistance for those still suffering was underscored, with a hopeful message for Jamaica’s recovery and growth.