NEW YORK, United States — The Government’s second extension of the period during which people can import Hurricane Melissa relief items without paying Customs duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT) has been welcomed by Jamaicans in the United States.

“The decision demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of Jamaicans, both at home and across the Diaspora. The extension provides much-needed relief and enables charitable initiatives to continue without interruption,” Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) representative for the north-east US, told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

However, Tulloch-Neil suggested that a March deadline would have been more favourable for the extension, which the Government said will end on January 15, “given that there are still a number of containers, pallets, and barrels being prepared to be shipped, and donations continue to flow from members of the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica”.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced that the waiver regime, which was scheduled to expire at the end of December, has been extended by an additional two weeks to January 15, 2026.

The measure, which was originally scheduled to end on November 28, was put in place as Jamaicans abroad responded with donations in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s onslaught on October 28, 2025.

On Wednesday, Williams explained that while the Government welcomes the gifts and donations, the new January 15 date, “will be a hard stop”, due to, “the decline in tax revenues at Customs since Hurricane Melissa has been significant, totalling approximately $12 billion”.

She said that the Government acknowledged that, “due to the Christmas season and the intervening holidays, the capacity of shippers, freight forwarders, brokers and the ports were significantly constrained. As a result, some donors may not have had their donations arrive on or before December 31, 2025, which is the cut-off date for relief of import duty and GCT upon importation of selected items”.

On Thursday, outgoing GJDC representative for the southern United States Peter Gracey, who had called for an extension of the waiver, told the Observer that he welcomes the second extension as it will benefit those who are still in need of critical assistance.

In Pennsylvania, Stafford Grant, who heads the Jamaica Ex-Servicemen and Women Foundation, commended the Government, noting that the move will allow breathing space for the tons of relief supplies still at the ports, as well as supplies still waiting to be shipped, to cleared in a timely manner.

Grant said organisations are still sending supplies through his foundation, which is certified and registered with the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS) of Jamaica.

Former GJDC representative Dr Karen Dunkley also welcomed the decision, saying it will ensure that donated goods can continue to reach affected communities faster and more efficiently without the additional barriers that often slow humanitarian responses.

“The decision also reflects a meaningful recognition of the vital partnership between the Government of Jamaica and Global Jamaica Diaspora Council,” argued Dr Dunkley who has led two major hurricane relief efforts to Jamaica.

In California, Dr Roy Davidson of the Caribbean Cricket Club of Los Angeles described the extension as “welcome news”. Dr Davidson, who himself led two relief efforts to Jamaica, said he hopes those who are still sending relief supplies will take advantage of the waiver.