KINGSTON, Jamaica — Several influential private sector groups have written to Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressing concerns surrounding the current pace of recovery following Hurricane Melissa while calling for swift coordinated action to support Jamaicans affected.

In a letter addressed to Holness dated Sunday, November 2, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) said, “While we acknowledge and deeply commend the tireless efforts already being made by Government agencies, first responders, and volunteers, we remain concerned that the current pace of recovery is not keeping up with the escalating humanitarian needs. Time is now our greatest constraint, and lives depend on swift, coordinated action.”

The organisations said the national response must be streamlined under a clearly defined structure, with transparent roles, centralised coordination, and strong accountability mechanisms to ensure efficiency and impact.

As such, the private sector groups put forward the following recommendations for consideration by the government:

1. Immediate Humanitarian Intervention

We respectfully urge the immediate establishment of centralized humanitarian safe zones across the island to provide secure shelter and coordinated care for displaced citizens. Facilities such as community centers, schools, and churches that can be safely utilised should be temporarily opened and managed as emergency shelters. A joint logistics operation, led by the Jamaica Defence Force with support from local authorities and private partners, should urgently relocate families from the hardest-hit areas to these designated hubs. Each safe zone should serve as a coordinated relief center offering food, water, medical care, and sanitation — restoring dignity and stability, especially for the elderly, women, and children.

2. Coordinated National Relief Command

We recommend the formal establishment of a National Relief and Reconstruction Command, reporting directly to Cabinet. Throughout our meetings, it appears that Mr Danville Walker, OJ, CD has been leading elements of this response, and we therefore recommend that he — or another suitably appointed individual — be formally designated and empowered to lead this national command. The appointed leader should have the mandate to mobilise emergency spending, direct agencies and personnel, and engage international disaster-relief experts to support the operation. The structure should follow the proven model of the Office of National Reconstruction (ONR), ensuring unified command, swift decision-making, and clear accountability. We further propose that timely progress reports be provided to the Government, Opposition, Private Sector, and key stakeholders to maintain transparency and coordination.

3. State of Public Emergency (SOE) for Affected Areas

While we note the Government’s declaration of a national disaster area, we further recommend the declaration of a State of Public Emergency (SOE) in the most severely impacted communities. Such a declaration would not be punitive, but rather an enabling mechanism to ensure swift restoration of order, safety, and access — allowing emergency powers to be used for road clearance, search and rescue, and the safeguarding and distribution of supplies and essential goods.

4. Oversight and Transparency

Within the next seven days, we propose the formation of an Oversight and Recovery Committee comprising representatives of Government, Opposition, Private Sector, and Civil Society — modeled on the successful framework chaired by Senator Keith Duncan and Minister Audrey Marks.

This Committee would ensure transparency, national unity, and collective leadership in the rebuilding effort. The Private Sector stands ready to recommend key technical experts to support this process, including specialists in logistics, infrastructure, housing, and humanitarian coordination.

The PSOJ, JMEA and JCC said they remain ready and committed to continue partnering with the Andrew Holness-led administration and all national stakeholders to rebuild a stronger, safer, and more resilient Jamaica where every citizen feels, seen, supported and safe.