The preliminary estimate of the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa has been put at between US$6 billion and US$7 billion.

This is equivalent to roughly 28 to 32 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product for fiscal year 2024/2025, according to Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.

He gave the preliminary estimate of the damage during a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

“We anticipate a temporary slowdown in economic activity, particularly in the most affected parishes. Agricultural output will decline in the short term as farmers replant and livestock operations recover. The tourism sector, while resilient and working swiftly to reopen, will require targeted support to restore capacity and confidence,” Holness said.

He also said small and medium-sized enterprises, especially those in retail, manufacturing, services, and the creative industries, have sustained significant losses and will need liquidity and recovery support to rebuild inventories, repair facilities, and restart operations.