NEW YORK, United States — The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) reinforced its role in advancing national recovery and resilience at the Recover Better Conference in New York, where the Bank’s work in financing post-disaster reconstruction and economic transformation was featured, while driving interest among diaspora and international stakeholders to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts.

The one-day forum, hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, brought together members of the diaspora and key stakeholders to mobilise investment, expertise and partnerships in support of Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration in national recovery efforts, the Development Bank of Jamaica’s Managing Director, Dr David Lowe, pointed to the critical role of the Jamaican diaspora in accelerating rebuilding and resilience.

“Partnership is critical to recovery. The diaspora has a vital role to play, and the Development Bank of Jamaica stands ready as their partner to channel investment into high-impact opportunities that will rebuild livelihoods and strengthen Jamaica’s economic future. It is important for all stakeholders to participate and create a robust environment for a solution oriented and resilient development track,” he said.

Included in the presentation was the Development Bank of Jamaica’s comprehensive and innovative approach to recovery financing, positioning the institution not only as a lender, but as a catalyst for sustainable development. The presentation highlighted how the Bank combines debt, equity, grants, credit guarantees and technical support to close financing gaps, unlock private sector growth, and create a robust, solution-oriented development track for all stakeholders.

Central to the Bank’s intervention is its targeted support for the agricultural sector, which was one of the areas hardest hit by recent climatic shocks. Through its financing and capacity-building initiatives, DBJ has approved approximately US$9.3 million in agriculture and agribusiness loans over the last financial year, supporting hundreds of enterprises and helping to restore productivity, strengthen food security systems and stabilise livelihoods.

DBJ also highlighted the impact of its flagship M5 Business Recovery Programme, which provides a structured framework for enterprise recovery through credit support, grants, loan restructuring and collateral assistance. The M5 programme has already mobilised J$1B to local MSMEs, with a further J$3 billion currently available for deployment to multiple sectors. The programme plays a critical role in helping businesses stabilise, rebuild and grow, while advancing innovative solutions for long-term resilience.

Further strengthening the Bank’s presence at the conference, Nicola Russell, Manager of Public-Private Partnership & Privatisation Division at DBJ, participated in the panel discussion titled “How Can the Diaspora Participate? Investment, Volunteerism, Professional Skills & Philanthropy.” During the session, she highlighted a range of Public-Private Partnership and Privatisation (PPP&P) opportunities available for investment, underscoring how the diaspora and wider global investment community can play a meaningful role in Jamaica’s development and reconstruction. She also emphasised the importance of leveraging diaspora networks and expertise to drive dialogue and unlock transformative capital solutions for PPP projects.

The conference also featured a keynote presentation by Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr Andrew Holness, who delivered an address titled “Building Back Better: Jamaica’s Vision for National Recovery and Resilience.” His presentation highlighted the importance of coordinated national action, strategic investment, and partnerships in supporting Jamaica’s ongoing reconstruction and resilience efforts.

Beyond immediate recovery, DBJ emphasised its broader national impact in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), mobilising private capital, and driving infrastructure development through public-private partnerships. Through these efforts, the Bank continues to position itself as a strategic partner for stakeholders, fostering a resilient, inclusive, and solution-driven economic future for Jamaica.