JUTA appeals for Hurricane Melissa recovery support for drivers

Weeks after Hurricane Melissa battered western Jamaica and disrupted tourism operations, contract carriage drivers say they remain shut out of recovery funding announced for tourism workers.

In separate letters to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr Carey Wallace, Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) National President Simon Lawrence said contract carriage drivers have been severely impacted by the storm but are not covered under the latest support measures.

Lawrence said Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, caused extensive vehicle damage, loss of income, and prolonged downtime for drivers, particularly in the western region, where hotel closures and reduced visitor activity followed the storm.

In his letter to Bartlett, Lawrence noted that most operators depend entirely on daily service to sustain their families.

While acknowledging the minister’s frequent emphasis on the strength and resilience of Jamaica’s tourism product, Lawrence stressed that ground transportation is a core component of the visitor experience and cannot be ignored in recovery planning.

“As you often speak highly of Jamaica’s tourism sector and the strength of the product we offer, it is important to note that one of its main components, transportation, is now in serious need of support,” he stated.

In a separate appeal to Wallace, Lawrence said JUTA members across the island, especially in western Jamaica, have been “severely affected” by the combined impact of storm damage and the slowdown in tourism operations.

He called for the Tourism Enhancement Fund to consider a stimulus package or any form of financial assistance to help drivers repair damaged vehicles and return to work.

“This assistance would help them repair their vehicles, return to work, and continue serving the tourism sector during this difficult period,” Lawrence wrote.

He suggested that grants, concessionary financing, or other structured recovery support could help stabilise the livelihoods of affected drivers while supporting the wider tourism value chain as visitor numbers gradually recover.

Lawrence said JUTA remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s tourism industry but warned that without targeted intervention, many contract carriage operators could remain sidelined, undermining efforts to restore normal tourism operations.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

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