NATURAL disasters, while devastating, have historically presented moments of reckoning and opportunity for countries willing to think beyond mere restoration.

It is with that in mind that we welcome the Government’s stated intention to rebuild smarter, stronger, and more inclusively the sections of Jamaica severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

The latest word on this matter came from Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett last Wednesday as he outlined an ambitious plan to reimagine Montego Bay as a premier visitor destination in the aftermath of Melissa, and using the transformation of that resort city as a national model for Jamaica’s post-disaster growth and renewal.

He gave a broad sketch of the plan that includes redefining the Elegant Corridor and extending it all the way to Falmouth. At the time he spoke, Mr Bartlett said he was scheduled to meet with one of the world’s most celebrated architects, who is Jamaican, “to discuss the thoughts and ideas of reimagining from… the cruise terminal to Falmouth and on the waterfront”.

Pointing out that the Montego Bay initiative is fully aligned with the national recovery strategy outlined by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, Mr Bartlett said: “The prime minister gave us the charge, and he said that post-Melissa is going to be a new Jamaica, a redefined Jamaica with new vistas for growth and development and a new perspective on who we are as a people and as a country.”

Montego Bay is not just another resort city; it is the country’s tourism capital and a major economic engine. Any disruption there reverberates across employment, foreign exchange earnings, and investor confidence.

Recasting the city as a modern, resilient, and world-class destination could strengthen tourism’s contribution to economic recovery after the hurricane. Improved infrastructure, climate-resilient construction, and diversified visitor experiences would not only attract higher-value tourism but also generate jobs in construction, services, technology, and creative industries. In a post-disaster context, such economic momentum is critical to restoring livelihoods and stabilising communities.

Equally significant are the potential social benefits. Disasters often expose and deepen existing inequalities, particularly in urban centres where informal settlements and inadequate infrastructure leave residents vulnerable.

A genuine reimagining of Montego Bay must therefore prioritise inclusive development — better housing, safer public spaces, improved transport, and access to services for residents as well as visitors. When communities see tangible improvements in their quality of life, trust in public institutions is strengthened, and social cohesion is reinforced. Using Montego Bay as a national model could help embed these principles into future recovery efforts across Jamaica.

There is also a less-discussed but crucial dimension — mental health. Hurricanes inflict more than physical damage; they leave lasting psychological scars. Anxiety, grief, and a sense of loss often linger long after the debris is cleared. A recovery strategy that focuses on renewal rather than mere replacement can play a therapeutic role.

Visible progress, restored public spaces, and new opportunities help foster hope and resilience. When people feel that their city is not just recovering but improving, it can counter the despair that often follows disaster and support collective healing.

However, ambition alone will not guarantee success. The transformation of Montego Bay must be guided by transparent planning, broad stakeholder engagement, and strong governance. Residents, small businesses, environmental experts, and local authorities must be active partners in shaping the city’s future. Without this the risk remains that redevelopment will prioritise aesthetics and investor interests over long-term resilience and social equity.

Still, the Government’s plan deserves credit for framing Hurricane Melissa not solely as a setback but as a turning point. Too often post-disaster responses focus narrowly on emergency relief and short-term recovery, with little thought given to structural change. By contrast, this initiative suggests a willingness to confront deeper issues: outdated infrastructure, environmental degradation, and uneven development.

The question now confronting us is whether this vision can translate from rhetoric into a genuinely transformative model for national recovery.