In the wake of the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) has issued a call for a coordinated national approach to recovery, particularly in delivering support to its nearly 700 members.

During a press conference last week, the SBAJ, which represents the interests of more than 400,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the island, appealed for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee to spearhead recovery efforts. This, as the association believes that a unified public–private framework will ensure that relief is distributed efficiently and equitably.

According to SBAJ 2nd vice-president Dennise Williams, the proposed committee which the association hopes will be formed within two weeks — once immediate humanitarian interventions have settled down — should include representatives from Government, the security forces, clergy, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and major business lobby groups such as the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), among other stakeholders.

“The purpose of this committee is to properly analyse the numbers to determine the number of affected entities, their locations, and their specific needs — so that we can have a data-driven recovery effort within the business community,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer on Monday.

She added that while the SBAJ is not yet able to confirm where most of its affected members are located, it is believed that a substantial number as well as their customer base are spread across the most affected parishes and townships.

Largely regarded as the engine of economic growth, the small business sector, Williams said, is too important to ignore. To this end, she therefore urged the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, led by Senator Aubyn Hill, to bring the relevant parties together in a room as soon as possible to set the committee in motion.

In addition to its call for a coordinated recovery framework, the SBAJ has also put forward several proposals to support small businesses in rebuilding and strengthening resilience. These include the establishment of a special MSME recovery fund through the DBJ; a rebate from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) for businesses affected by prolonged power outages; a six-month moratorium on loan payments from the banking sector; a $10-million National Housing Trust (NHT) grant fund for contributors rebuilding homes and small enterprises; and a refreshed farmer database by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) to better identify and assist affected farmers. The body also proposed a temporary reduction of taxes on imported agricultural produce to support food security and agricultural recovery.

SBAJ President Garnett Reid, in outlining plans for an upcoming meeting with the PSOJ and several non-governmental organisations, said this initiative forms part of efforts to jump-start the coordinated recovery process.

“Based on reports we’ve received, some individuals are getting supplies multiple times, while others are getting none at all. This lack of coordination poses real challenges,” Reid said.

“Our hope is for supplies to reach those small businesses that need them most. Too often, that hasn’t been the case. From my recollection of Hurricane Gilbert, millions of zinc sheets and other materials were received but never distributed. We must not repeat those dark days — which is why we’ll continue advocating for equitable distribution,” he further said to the Business Observer.

The PSOJ, JMEA, JCC and the Shipping Association of Jamaica in a joint statement last week pledged unified support for Jamaica’s post-Melissa recovery.

The entities noted that while companies in the Kingston Metropolitan Area sustained minimal damage, they are currently conducting impact assessments among their members to inform a data-driven, targeted recovery strategy.

“In times of crisis, it takes collective expertise and shared responsibility to rebuild. We are committed to working hand in hand with the Government of Jamaica to establish a coordinated framework for recovery. This collaboration will focus on identifying key needs and resource gaps, determining where the private sector can assist — including logistics, warehousing, manpower, and supplies and exploring measures to help affected businesses rebuild and sustain employment,” the statement said.

The organisations further emphasised that, in partnership with their affiliates, they remain committed to ensuring that relief and rebuilding initiatives are efficient, transparent, and reach those most in need. “Priority attention will be placed on the hardest-hit parishes, where businesses, homes, and livelihoods have been significantly disrupted.”

Jamaica Defence Force soldiers deliver relief packages to Hurricane Melissa victims in Black River.