Jamaica has secured up to $6.7 billion in support from major international financial institutions to fund a three-year recovery and reconstruction plan following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October.
The financing package — unveiled in a joint statement by the CAF–Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) — includes $3.6bn in government financing.
The CAF, the IDB and the World Bank are each providing up to $1bn, marking the largest contributions in the package.
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms to hit the Caribbean in more than 170 years, brought catastrophic flooding, landslides, and nearly 30 inches (76cm) of rain, causing an estimated $10bn in damage — roughly 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, according to the UN Development Programme.
“Recovery will require significant resources and long-term investments. Comprehensive recovery planning is already underway, focusing on critical priorities and reinforcing Jamaica’s resilience,” the institutions said in a joint written statement.
They added that the combined financial tools, technical guidance and shared commitment among partners would help the country “not only restore what was lost but also strengthen its resilience to future disasters”.
Hurricane Melissa left widespread destruction, scattering nearly five million tonnes of debris, cutting off access to key services and leaving at least 32 people dead in Jamaica alone a week after the storm.
The government says the reconstruction plan will prioritise infrastructure, housing, environmental protection and long-term climate resilience.
