Jamaicans impacted by October’s category 5 Hurricane Melissa are now receiving targeted cash support aimed at helping families rebuild and regain stability.
The programme, led by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), will provide assistance to approximately 50,000 households identified as most vulnerable through the Jamaica Household Damage, Impact and Needs Assessment. This initiative marks a transition from immediate emergency relief toward longer-term recovery and resilience.
In the weeks following the hurricane, WFP focused on distributing emergency food packages to over 123,000 people in St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Westmoreland. Now, as markets, small businesses, and local vendors begin reopening, cash transfers are being introduced to empower households to make decisions that meet their unique needs, from food to rebuilding essentials.
“Cash assistance gives families the freedom to prioritize what matters most to them while restoring independence and dignity,” said Brian Bogart, WFP’s Caribbean representative. “This approach strengthens communities by putting resources directly in the hands of those affected.”
Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., emphasized the importance of swift, compassionate support. “Our partnership with WFP allows us to provide timely relief while safeguarding the dignity of our most vulnerable citizens. We are committed to standing with these communities as they recover and rebuild.”
Beyond immediate household support, WFP is also investing in the island’s long-term recovery, including initiatives to rehabilitate farmlands and fisheries, stabilize markets, and improve nutrition. As part of this effort, US$1.9 million from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility will be distributed through the national social protection system to households affected by the storm.
The programme is made possible through international donor support, including governments, development banks, and private contributors, reflecting a collective commitment to restoring livelihoods and strengthening resilience in Jamaica’s hurricane-affected communities.
