In this context, Jamaica is now beginning to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The nation is now faced with an extensive and arduous rebuilding period, likely stretching for months and even years in some regions. Puerto Rico’s recent, tragic experience with Hurricanes Irma and María, which left the island in ruins in late 2017, provides important lessons about what lies ahead. The aftermath of Puerto Rico’s recovery exposed significant vulnerabilities throughout its infrastructure. Jamaica needs to address these issues to avoid finding itself in the same position, as climate change is increasing hurricane threats throughout the Caribbean.
Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
Puerto Rico’s experience post-Hurricane María revealed serious weaknesses in its infrastructure, notably an aging power grid that succumbed to the storm’s Category 4 winds. Puerto Rico’s long road to power restoration in the wake of the hurricane should be a warning to Jamaica. It highlights the need to invest in more resilient infrastructure that can better prepare to withstand the effects of dangerous weather.
Jamaica needs to assess their own infrastructure vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to their energy systems and transportation networks. Especially as climate change is making hurricanes more powerful, the call on these systems is more urgent than ever before. States and federal authorities should prioritize investments that reinforce infrastructure so that it may better withstand the intensity of future storms, leading to quicker recovery times.
In Puerto Rico, reconstruction materials were extremely delayed, dragging recovery timelines far beyond most mainland communities even were. As Jamaica continues to rebuild even now, it has been confronted with the same hurdles. To meet these challenges, effective supply chains and strategic partnerships will be key to introducing vital materials as quickly as possible.
Engaging the Diaspora
Jamaica’s diaspora is another immense resource in terms of providing and coordinating immediate and long-term relief. Vibrant communities have taken root in metropolitan areas such as London, Toronto, New York City, and Miami. The Jamaican diaspora, if sufficiently mobilized, could bring considerable weight to bear here. The government has established various platforms to increase engagement with diaspora for Jamaicans living overseas. These include JA Diaspora Engage, the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, and JAMPRO.
To do that, Jamaica could take its robust diaspora infrastructure and repurpose it to focus on engaging with the diaspora to support an emergency response. This modification would make it easier for HUD to quickly marshal resources, funding, and expertise to respond when disasters occur. By further deepening connections with the diaspora, Jamaica can make a more sustainable recovery process a reality.
These lessons from Puerto Rico’s recovery in the aftermath of María may prove especially salient. In Puerto Rico, almost half of applicants for federal disaster aid had as their new home addresses on the U.S. mainland. This all begs critical questions of retention and support in local communities. Keeping Jamaican expatriates connected with and investing in their homeland will be critical to long-term recovery.
Ensuring Equitable Recovery Funding
A critical lesson from Puerto Rico is the importance of directing recovery funding through established local organizations rather than relying on mainland contractors. After Hurricane María, Puerto Rican businesses were awarded just 10% of the nearly $5 billion in federal contracts. At the same time, 90% of that money was funneled to contractors based on the U.S. mainland. This inequity contributes to an inability to build local capacity and extends recovery time, both socially and physically.
Jamaica is exposed to serious dangers given its recovery funding ruction. This is particularly the case as international assistance continues to flow in from institutions such as the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank. Distributing funding directly through longstanding Jamaican organizations will be key in making sure that the money is spent efficiently while properly serving Jamaican communities back home.
Additionally, making a country that is already fairly geographically isolated more isolated would be a major hurdle for Jamaica. Jamaica’s geography makes emergency response and long-term recovery all the more challenging. Vulnerability, which is exacerbated by the island’s geographic isolation, is further stressed during hurricane season. This dual crisis highlights a dire need for improved, more inclusive, holistic planning approaches to tackle these issues.