Sagicor pledges $100m to revive clinics devastated by Melissa
Sagicor Group Jamaica on Thursday pledged $100 million toward repairing health clinics in western Jamaica that were damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October.
The commitment, made through the group’s charitable arm, Sagicor Foundation, was announced during the launch of the 2026 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run at Sagicor Life Auditorium in New Kingston.
Sagicor said that the $100-million is drawn from the $200-million it previously announced as the foundation’s post-hurricane relief commitment.
“Seeing the reality on the ground reinforced our responsibility to step forward in a significant way and reminded us how vulnerable our communities are,” a company release quotes President & CEO Christopher Zacca.
“This is an important investment, as clinics provide primary care to thousands of families, and without them, even basic needs go unmet,” added Zacca, who also chairs Sagicor Foundation.
“As a major health insurance provider, we know that with so many clinics being down, the entire healthcare system is strained. Basic healthcare access must be restored as fast as possible to help get communities the care they need,” he said.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton thanked Sagicor and highlighted the pressing need for the funds.
“Hurricane Melissa has had a significant impact on the western parishes, particularly on our health infrastructure. We have long understood that for any country, a well-functioning healthcare system is rooted in how they are able to deliver primary healthcare and Jamaica is no different,” he said.
“Primary healthcare should be the first stop for patients who are facing health challenges, from which referrals should be made for more advanced healthcare options if necessary. Our aim is to ensure that our facilities and services offered at all health centres are of the utmost quality. Today we make another significant step in that direction. With the support of Sagicor Group Jamaica, the Government of Jamaica will be able to fast-track our recovery and build more resilient health centres for thousands to access for care,” Tufton said.
