The 2025 fourth-quarter release of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), GK Capital Business and Consumer Confidence indices, generated by Don Anderson’s Market Research Services, revealed the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s outlook. Consumer confidence fell 17.5 per cent due to the storm; business confidence decreased by 7.4 points, with only 53.7 per cent seeing it as a good time to invest.

The encouraging news is that over 50 per cent of businesses anticipate economic improvement in this year, indicating cautious optimism for recovery. Don Anderson noted the hurricane’s impact on confidence was on par with the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic shock, though more sudden.

Businesses have done a reality check, as they plan increased investments in emergency cash reserves (41 per cent), disaster preparedness (33 per cent), and resilient infrastructure (33 per cent).

However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing funding challenges: 20 per cent of businesses cite lack of funding as the main barrier to investment, highlighting financial access issues. With the Government securing $6.7 billion for recovery, there was emphasis on the need for effective allocation and public-private partnerships.

GraceKennedy’s CEO Frank James emphasised rapid operational recovery, with banking and distribution services restored within days. The company is revisiting business continuity plans to prepare for more frequent, intense storms, including scenario planning. There will be enhancements across GraceKennedy Group for improved risk management including resilience, mental wellness support, satellite communications, and digital financial services. The group is supporting SME suppliers and farmers with financing and supply chain stability measures during recovery.

Kathryn Silvera, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), reported quick restarts for most firms, with only 10 per cent located in the hardest-hit parishes. Only 50 per cent of manufacturers surveyed were insured, indicating a vulnerability that needs addressing. She said exporters faced a six-day port closure and extended disruptions, impacting trade flows and shipping schedules for up to a month. Manufacturers and competitors are cooperating through contract packing and shared logistics to maintain supply chains.

Despite challenges, many firms intend to increase capital investment in the coming year, signalling confidence in recovery. Silvera looks forward to enhanced educational initiatives for manufacturers on insurance coverage and resilient infrastructure financing, including upcoming meetings with DBJ to advance support programmes. These should facilitate capacity-building programmes to improve technology adoption and operational efficiency among manufacturing and SME members.

JCC President Emile Leiba said the organisation is working with the Government and public sector to advocate for legislative modernisation and rapid-response regulatory mechanisms supporting business recovery. The chamber is focused on the country’s growth agenda and fund allocation for hurricane-affected businesses.

Tree of Life Foundation founder and President Amanda Schumacher (left) presents the Golden Heart Award to former US Ambassador Audrey Marks.

Kudos for Ambassador Marks

Ambassador Audrey Marks has been an insightful and innovative entrepreneur. Her brainchild, Paymaster, has transformed bill-paying with its ubiquitous presence islandwide. As Jamaica’s ambassador to the US under Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administrations, she promoted Jamaica to leading investors. Well do I remember when she introduced the Marriott Chain to Jamaica’s fast-growing city of Kingston — the rest is history.

She highlighted the achievements of our Jamaican Diaspora through her monthly
Zoom meetings, while showcasing the many opportunities offered by investing in Jamaica. She travelled far and wide, supporting large and small Diaspora initiatives, while raising two high-achieving daughters.

After her tour of duty ended, it was a masterstroke by the JLP Government to appoint her as a senator. Soon afterwards she heeded Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s call to enter representational politics for Manchester North Eastern, resulting in her victory in the September 2025 General Election. Her ministerial duties in the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation is in alignment with her track record.

No wonder then that earlier this month she received the prestigious 2026 Golden Heart Award from the philanthropic Tree of Life Foundation in Palm Beach, Florida. She was one of nine ambassadors so honoured as diplomats who had given outstanding service to their respective countries.

“Diplomacy, as much as it encapsulates policy and protocol, is also about people — compassion, partnership, and service beyond borders,” said Marks in her acceptance speech. “To Amanda Schumacher, the founder and visionary behind Tree of Life, and to the entire team — your commitment to serving the underserved is inspiring. What began as a simple but powerful idea has grown into a foundation that delivers tangible support to families and communities.”

Heartiest congratulations, Ambassador Marks!

No to Enhanced Games

It is a travesty that an event called Enhanced Games is being planned for drugged-up athletes to compete in Las Vegas in May, a heartless exercise that can affect the well-being of participants. We congratulate our sports stakeholders for opposing such an event.

Jamaica Observer sports writer Rachid Parchment quoted Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange: “As a WADA foundation board member, and a proud Jamaican who oversees the national anti-doping framework in Jamaica, I cannot, and we cannot, endorse the hosting of or participation in the Enhanced Games,” she said. “The Enhanced Games provide an opportunity for athletes to compete using performance-enhancing substances. This is counter to everything we believe in and promote at JADCO and as signatories to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport and the WADA Code. So let it be clear — we are about clean sport. We’re not about enhanced performances.”

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) First Vice-President Ian Forbes noted: “I find it most disturbing, and I’m very happy that our minister has come out publicly and declared the ministry’s and Jamaica’s position.” World Athletics Coaches’ Commission member David Riley and JADCO Chairperson Debby-Ann Brown Salmon also voiced their support of this position.

We regret that sprinter Shockoria Wallace was the first Jamaican athlete to sign up for the event.

Farewell, fine Jamaicans

Last Saturday families and friends of Ambassador Curtis Ward and sports journalist Donald Oliver said their farewell to two fine Jamaicans who served with distinction.

In his tribute to Ambassador Ward, published in last Friday’s
Observer, Prime Minister PJ Patterson noted, “When I appointed him as ambassador and deputy permanent representative to the United Nations with special responsibility for security council affairs in 1999, I knew Jamaica needed someone of high intellect, unwavering principle, and endowed with masterly command of international law.”

In a tribute video, Jamaica’s swimming star Alia Atkinson commented, “Donald was a true storyteller…I always thought that to be from a sport that isn’t popular in Jamaica, that people wouldn’t want to hear my story or want to know what trials I had to go through or anything like that. But Donald said, ‘You have a story, and it deserves to be heard.’ Donald made sure that people were seen, that they were heard, and that their story mattered.”

Our deepest condolence to the loved ones of these excellent Jamaicans.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV, and CCRP. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.