Hurricane Melissa is a one-in-a-hundred-year event for Jamaica. We have never faced a hurricane of this magnitude, and early estimates show about $8.8 billion in damage. The destruction is widespread, homes, businesses, roads, schools, and even our forests. In the Cockpit Country alone, we estimate that 51 percent of forest cover was lost. Melissa has also revealed important truths we must confront. First, how we build. Even with limited resources, stronger construction practices, proper roof de

GoPro on Instagram: "Hurricane Melissa’s deadly landfall devastated Caribbean island nations—leveling homes, flooding cities, and stripping residents of essential resources. Tragically, 102 deaths have been attributed to the storm. In Jamaica alone, there was an estimated ~9 billion dollars in damage, making it the costliest hurricane in the country’s recorded history. @unicef is supporting local governments to reach more than 284,000 children and address nutrition needs, access to safe water, s

The Cabinet has approved the use of funds donated to supportjamaica.gov.jm for purchasing building materials as part of the Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery process. Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, Sen. Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, made this announcement during the Post Cabinet Press Briefing this morning (December 3). The Minister added that the President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Irfaan Ali, has offered to assist reconstruction efforts through partnerships between engi