Cash vouchers roll out in Hurricane Melissa-hit parishes in Jamaica

Hundreds of Jamaican residents in parishes severely affected by Hurricane Melissa have begun receiving cash vouchers as post-storm relief efforts continue to transition away from direct food distribution.

- Advertisement -

The disbursement, which began on December 17, is being carried out by the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

According to WFP Cash Officer Lorenzo Nerantzis, the vouchers are intended to replace some of the care and food packages previously distributed in hurricane-impacted communities, while avoiding duplication of assistance.

Speaking to JIS News following a National Emergency Operations Centre briefing at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Nerantzis said the agencies have developed a coordinated approach to ensure households transition smoothly from food aid to cash.

“One of the considerations is when the last food distribution took place in a specific community. The idea is that those receiving cash would have already transitioned out of food,” he said.

He added that the rollout is also designed to manage demand at Western Union and other registered money service providers, while encouraging beneficiaries to spend within their local economies to support recovery.

ODPEM Deputy Director General Michelle Edwards welcomed the initiative, noting that the assistance will be well received by affected families.

Earlier this month, the Government of Jamaica said it is preparing to transition its post-hurricane relief programme to a broader voucher-based system by early 2026, aimed at improving efficiency, flexibility and dignity in aid delivery.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the shift is designed to give residents greater choice in meeting their needs and to reduce the public stigma often associated with food handouts.

- Advertisement -

Holness expressed concern about images of people rushing for care packages and called on both relief groups and residents to maintain self-respect throughout the recovery process. “I don’t like my country to be shown as people running to get food, fighting over a package and those kinds of things,” he said. “Giving persons coupons or cards [will enable them to] buy the stuff that they need.”