The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) has indicated that while most of its members have resumed normal operations following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, a few manufacturers in the hardest-hit parishes continue to face significant challenges that have affected their businesses and employee livelihoods.

Sharing data from preliminary assessments conducted across its diverse network of more than 600 members, JMEA President Kathryn Silvera told the Jamaica Observer that approximately 10 per cent of the association’s membership comprises manufacturers based in the western parishes and other areas most severely impacted by the hurricane.

“While the majority of our members are based in Kingston, St Andrew and St. Catherine — areas that fortunately did not experience extensive structural damage — those in the affected parishes have been dealing with significant disruptions. These include damage to facilities, loss of raw materials and finished goods, power outages, and logistical challenges related to transportation and access,” Silvera said in response to Business Observer queries.

She pointed to seasoning manufacturers operating in western Jamaica among those hardest hit by the storm.

“Many of them have lost not only their production sites and crops but, in some cases, members of their staff have also lost their homes. For these members, the devastation goes beyond business it has deeply affected their livelihoods and personal lives,” she added.

Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica October 29, ranks as one of the most powerful storms on record. Packing Category Five winds and torrential rainfall, the hurricane left behind a trail of damage, devastation, and loss of life after battering the island for several hours. The estimated loss to the economy as result of the fall-outs is now said to be valued in the billions.

Silvera said that while roughly 80 per cent of manufacturers have resumed normal operations, those in the most affected parishes continue to operate at reduced capacity or have temporarily suspended production.

Commending the sector’s resilience and preparedness, she said that robust business continuity plans helped many companies to restart operations relatively quickly once conditions stabilised even as ongoing utility disruptions and supply chain interruptions remain major obstacles for many in attaining full recovery.

“Communication gaps and access challenges in certain parishes have delayed our ability to obtain a full picture of the overall situation but we expect a clearer understanding in the coming days as connectivity improves,” the president said.

Among those affected is spring water company Lifespan, which in a notice to customers and the wider public said that while its Portland and Montego Bay plants sustained no significant damage, both continue to operate at partial capacity due to power and communication constraints.

“While our Kingston office remains fully operational, communication also remains limited. We have enacted our business continuity measures to maintain service levels and will communicate revised timelines and updates as we regain full functionality at each location,” the company said.

Across the sector, manufacturers have been tapping into solar technologies and other back-up energy systems to maintain production and service continuity in the aftermath of the storm.

The JMEA now actively engaging with affected members to determine their specific needs and the most effective forms of support, Silvera said sees the association’s immediate focus being placed on gathering accurate information to advocate for targeted assistance and to ensure that manufacturers’ needs are reflected in national recovery strategies.

In collaboration with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and Government, the lobby body has also been busy with coordinating relief and recovery efforts. These include mobilising donations from member companies and facilitating the supply of locally manufactured goods — such as food, beverages, toiletries, cleaning materials, and building supplies — at reduced prices to support national relief initiatives.

Beyond immediate relief, the association is currently in the process of developing medium- to long-term recovery proposals aimed at helping affected manufacturers rebuild stronger, restore jobs, and re-establish reliable supply chains.

“Our goal is not just to return to normal, but to build greater resilience within the manufacturing sector. By supporting our members in recovery and rebuilding, we aim to ensure the continued stability of local production and exports, which are vital to Jamaica’s economic recovery,” Silvera said.

SILVERA… while the majority of our members are based in Kingston, St Andrew and St Catherine — areas that fortunately did not experience extensive structural damage — those in the affected parishes have been dealing with significant disruptions

An area in Westmoreland ravaged by Hurricane Melissa after it hit the island as a Category Five system last Tuesday. (Photo: Gavin Jones)

Spring water company Lifespan has said that while its Portland and Montego Bay plants sustained no significant damage, both continue to operate at partial capacity due to power and communication constraints