Jamaica is in recovery mode as officials work to repair
extensive damage in communities hit hard by Hurricane Melissa. The storm seems
to have most heavily impacted the southern and western areas of Jamaica, where
residents reported destroyed buildings, downed power lines and extensive flooding.
In St. James Parish, the St. James
Municipal Corporation is working with the State agency and non-governmental
partners to determine the extent of damage from the passage of Hurricane
Melissa and also provide emergency relief to the worst-affected communities.
The category 5 system swept through the parish with
ferocity, destroying homes, businesses and road infrastructure.
Preliminary assessments are currently underway to determine
the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact, according to Jamaica Tourist Board
(JTB) officials. “From what we know thus far, many of our properties remain
structurally sound, though several have experienced temporary disruptions in
power and utilities.”
“Our major airports and cruise ports are conducting
post-storm inspections, and reopening is being phased in as safety is confirmed,
according to a JTB spokesman. Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport
has already reopened for relief flights, with commercial operations resuming
today.
At Sangster International and Ian Fleming International, assessments continue to be made, with announcements expected in the following
week. However, all visitors are advised to contact their airline provider,
travel advisor, accommodation, and tour operator directly for related
updates.
Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, announced the
establishment of a high-level Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a
Donation Coordination Task Force, to guide the tourism sector’s structured
response and recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Minister Bartlett explained that the new task forces will be
instrumental in assessing damage, coordinating industry-wide support, and
crafting a sustainable roadmap for recovery and resilience in the wake of the
storm.
“The recovery of our tourism sector must be deliberate,
coordinated, and compassionate. Through these task forces, we are ensuring that
the welfare of our workers, the rehabilitation of our infrastructure, and the
recovery of the tourism sector move in tandem,” said Minister Bartlett. “Their
activities will be integrated into the national disaster response mechanism,”
he added.
The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive
Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Minister Bartlett serving
as Chairman Emeritus. The Task Force comprises a distinguished cross-section of
public and private sector leaders, including minister of state in the Ministry
of Tourism, Hon. Tova Hamilton; minister of state in the Ministry of Industry,
Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright; executive director of the
Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), Professor
Lloyd Waller; and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Jennifer
Griffith.
Also serving on the Task Force are Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI); Ian Dear, board chairman of
the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo); Donovan White, director of tourism; Jessica Shannon, chief experience officer at SRI; and Christopher
Jarrett, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA).
Meanwhile the government is working diligently to both
assess damage and provide immediate relief as it works towards a strong
recovery. The Government has launched a website to mobilize support, channel
relief and coordinate recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
The Support Jamaica website can be accessed at supportjamaica.gov.jm and
was developed by the Government of Jamaica
Jamaica is appreciative for the outpouring of love it has
already received. The safety and well-being of Jamaica’s citizens and visitors
remain our highest priority, said a JTB spokesperson.
”Through our
Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), we are working closely with hotel
partners, attraction operators, transportation providers, and local
authorities to ensure accurate communication and a swift return to normal operations,”
said the spokesperson.
Jamaica’s tourism
industry has always shown remarkable resilience, supported by strong systems
and the spirit of our people, said the spokesperson. “Tourism fuels our economy
and supports our people. We hope for, and anticipate, a full rebound, and call
on our international partners for continued support as we focus on relief,
recovery, and rebuilding to ensure the sector is fully restored by the winter
season in December.”
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