CARICOM Development Fund approves US$500,000 in emergency relief for Jamaica

The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) has approved US$500,000 in emergency relief financing to assist Jamaica’s recovery from the severe impacts of Hurricane Melissa.

The decision, made by the CDF Board of Directors on 19 November 2025, was issued through the organisation’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Facility (EDAF).

This new allocation comes in addition to an earlier US$300,000 grant provided to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) Regional Response Mechanism. That earlier funding has supported the deployment of members of the Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) to Jamaica in the days following the storm.

Hurricane Melissa, a late-season system, caused significant socio-economic disruption across the island. Torrential rainfall, high winds, and widespread flooding damaged public infrastructure, homes, utilities, and community facilities. Several parishes experienced major setbacks to road networks and essential services, limiting mobility and affecting livelihoods. The buildup of debris and environmental hazards has also slowed recovery efforts and raised public health concerns.

Under the approved intervention, the CDF’s US$500,000 contribution will support early recovery efforts, with a particular focus on safely managing and removing the large quantities of debris generated by the storm. The goal is to restore access to essential services, minimise environmental and health risks, and help jump-start economic recovery in the hardest-hit and underserved communities. The initiative will be carried out in partnership with the UNDP Multi-Country Office in Jamaica.

CDF Chief Executive Officer Rodinald Soomer said the Fund remains committed to standing with Jamaica during this period of hardship. “The CARICOM Development Fund stands resolutely with Jamaica in this time of need. Our commitment to supporting Member States during periods of crisis remains unwavering, and this relief package reflects our belief in regional solidarity and shared responsibility. By providing this emergency support, we aim not just to help rebuild what was lost, but to strengthen resilience so that communities emerge stronger and better prepared for future shocks,” he said.