Jamaican High Commission Town Hall Updates on Hurricane Melissa Recovery

The Jamaican High Commission in the UK hosted its fourth live-streamed town hall, providing a one-month update on Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa.

Deputy High Commissioner CS Denton Watts welcomed diaspora members and supporters, reaffirming the High Commission’s commitment to keeping Jamaicans informed as recovery efforts continue.

High Commissioner Alexander Williams outlined the scale of the impact, with over 1.6 million people affected across several parishes. While full recovery may take years, progress is underway. Electricity restoration has been fast-tracked, tourism and airports are reopening, healthcare services are resuming, and more than 37,000 homes have already been assessed for repairs. Government funds and diaspora donations are being used to provide building materials, food, and essential support to the most vulnerable.

Community advocate Primrose Granville shared updates from Bristol, where residents, churches, and organisations have mobilised rapidly. Shipments of aid have already reached Jamaica, with further consignments planned. She stressed that current needs are focused on tools and building materials rather than clothing.

Delmarees White of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPM) reported that food distribution, shelter support, and infrastructure repairs are ongoing, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force and international partners. Health services and public utilities continue to be restored, while assessments guide housing and cash-grant support.

The town hall highlighted the vital role of the UK diaspora in Jamaica’s recovery. Meetings will resume in January, following a Christmas break, as rebuilding efforts move forward.