Date: October 29, 2025
Hosted by: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
As Hurricane Melissa left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation worked with the U.S. Department of State to convene a high-level coordination call to align response efforts and mobilize support for Jamaica, the hardest-hit nation.
The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Jamaica, U.S. Southern Command, American Chamber of Commerce Jamaica, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, and the United Nations OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean all provided operational updates and reinforced the importance of coordinated action to help those in need.
Jamaica: Ground Zero for Hurricane Melissa’s Impact
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm—the strongest in the island’s recorded history—devastating the southwestern and northwestern regions. While Kingston was largely spared, the city is now serving as the central logistics hub for incoming relief. Updates included:
- Over 70% of the island is without electricity.
- Some areas remain under up to 16 feet of water.
- Montego Bay’s airport sustained major damage but is set to open by Nov. 1.
- Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport and the Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary are operational.
U.S. Government Response
The U.S. Department of State deployed a Disaster Assistance Team (DART) and two Urban Search and Rescue teams from Fairfax County, Va., and Los Angeles County, Cali., to Jamaica. Coordination with U.S. Southern Command is underway, with military support pending approval from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Regional and International Coordination
CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) activated its regional response mechanism and pre-deployed personnel to Jamaica. A logistics control tower, in partnership with the World Food Programme, is helping manage incoming aid and avoid bottlenecks. A preliminary needs list was shared.
Private Sector Engagement
AmCham Jamaica reported widespread disruption across the island, with small businesses in Kingston encouraged to reopen where possible. The chamber is actively coordinating with telecom, logistics, and infrastructure partners to support recovery and ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Key Themes and Guidance
Throughout the call, speakers reinforced several critical principles:
- Coordinate through official channels to avoid duplication and logistical bottlenecks.
- Use validated needs lists to guide financial donations and support efforts.
- Monitor updates as needs evolve with continued assessments and supply chains stabilize.
- Over-communicate and collaborate to maximize impact and minimize confusion.
Call to Action
The response is still in its early assessment phase. Organizations are urged to:
- Focus on shelter, water, sanitation, and medical support
- Consult the official needs lists and trusted donation portals
- Stay closely aligned with government and regional coordination mechanisms
What’s Next
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will continue to update the Hurricane Melissa resource page. Organizations needing assistance in navigating how best to support can contact the Foundation at resilience@uschamber.com.
For additional information, the following may help:
- State Department portal for American citizens interested in assisting with the disaster.
- Government of Jamaica Preliminary Needs List
- CDEMA Preliminary Needs List
