KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Jamaica is assessing the economic and social impact of Hurricane Melissa, which swept across the island earlier this month, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and the tourism sector. Initial estimates place the national loss at approximately 30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — one of the most significant economic shocks in recent decades.
The estimate reflects combined damage to homes, public buildings, utilities, transport networks, and productive sectors. Tourism — which, directly and indirectly, contributes roughly 30% of Jamaica’s GDP — is expected to experience both short-term disruption and a challenging recovery period as the country rebuilds.
Despite this, the Government says the nation remains on a forward trajectory. The administration is framing the post-hurricane moment not only as a recovery phase but as an opportunity to accelerate long-planned improvements in governance, technology, and service delivery.
