Jamaica is gearing up for the upcoming peak tourism season, with authorities working diligently to recover from the aftermath of a powerful Category 5 hurricane that caused extensive damage to the island’s western region.
Before Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, Jamaica was anticipating a seven percent growth in its tourism industry for the winter season, with an estimated 4.3 million visitors expected to arrive. However, the destructive impact of the storm has prompted urgent efforts to repair hotels and clear debris in the western part of the island to attract tourists during a crucial period.
Christopher Jarrett, head of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, mentioned that the most significant destruction occurred in the northwest and southwest regions, with the popular Negril area in Westmoreland largely unaffected.
While all international airports in Jamaica have resumed operations and are receiving commercial flights, tourism officials are still assessing the full extent of damage to the sector following the hurricane. Communication challenges persist, especially in the western parish of Hanover, hindering efforts to reach and support affected members.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett aims to have the sector fully operational by December 15, the beginning of the peak tourism season. Jarrett acknowledged that larger hotel chains are likely to recover faster compared to smaller establishments.
Despite the setback to the tourism industry, Jarrett remains optimistic about the economic impact, noting that hotels in Kingston and Ocho Rios are benefiting from the influx of aid workers and volunteers post-hurricane.
The disruption in tourism has also affected various service providers, leaving many without work. Patricia Mighten, a hotel housekeeper in Hanover, emphasized the broader economic repercussions of the storm on jobs and livelihoods.
In addition to the tourism sector, farmers and fishers were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with significant losses reported in agricultural produce and infrastructure. Denver Thorpe, a farmer in Westmoreland parish, described the extensive damage to his mango trees and greenhouses, underscoring the challenges faced by the agricultural community.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining highlighted the substantial losses incurred by farmers and fishers, with recovery efforts hampered by consecutive hurricane impacts in the region. The setback comes at a critical juncture, as the agriculture sector was on the path to recovery following previous natural disasters.
Jamaica’s agricultural industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting over 200,000 farmers engaged in livestock rearing and cultivation of various crops for domestic consumption and export. Notably, Jamaica is a significant exporter of yams and boasts a thriving coffee sector contributing millions annually to the economy.