October 30, 2026

UN calls for financial support for small business operators in towns affected by Hurricane Melissa

The United Nations is calling on donors, financial institutions and the private sector to provide financial support to small business operators in the towns which were affected by Hurricane Melissa.

On Wednesday, Jamaica marked the first anniversary of the passage of the category 5 hurricane, which destroyed homes, wrecked businesses and resulted in the deaths of 45 people.

In a statement, the UN said a year after Hurricane Melissa, the effects still linger in Western Jamaica.

The UN said during a recent visit to Black River, St. Elizabeth representatives took note of the scale of the storms impact.

It noted that while some stores were open and shoppers could be seen bustling through the main street, many business owners are struggling to resume operations, due to the catastrophic damage caused to their properties.

UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, Dennis Zulu said the situation in Black River is indicative of more work being needed.

He said the UN is ready to support interventions that help the private sector recover.

Mr. Zulu said emergency relief has largely given way to recovery, and recovery needs far more than the UN can provide.

He called on donors, financial institutions and the private sector to support grants, credit and guarantees that allow small businesses and market traders in Black River and other affected towns, to reopen.

Mr. Zulu praised the Government for creating the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARRA), noting that the entity is a step forward in coordinating recovery efforts, both post Melissa and in future emergencies.

He said the UN will continue to work with the government to rebuild in a way that reduces risk from future storms.