Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across Jamaica, damaging homes, disrupting livelihoods, and leaving countless families struggling to rebuild their lives. From the coastlines to the countryside, entire communities are working tirelessly to recover and restore a sense of normalcy.

As members of the Jamaican diaspora, many of us across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond are rallying together to send relief supplies, essential goods, and holiday care packages to support our people back home, including our own families and loved ones.

However, the current 30-day Import Duty and General Consumption Tax (GCT) relief period from October 29 to November 28, 2025, is simply not sufficient to manage the logistical challenges of collecting, shipping, and clearing these goods. Without an extension, much of the intended aid may not reach families when they need it most.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, leaving many displaced and in urgent need of sustained assistance. While Jamaicans abroad are uniting to help, we too are navigating our own financial challenges in the face of rising living costs across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These economic realities have slowed our ability to gather and ship resources quickly.

Extending the relief period would provide the necessary time for donors and organizations to organize, fund, and deliver meaningful aid in time for the holidays and beyond.

Therefore, we, the undersigned members of the Jamaican diaspora and friends of Jamaica worldwide, respectfully urge the Hon. Dr. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, to extend the Import Duty and GCT relief period for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts by an additional 180 days, through April 30, 2026.

This extension aligns with Section 30B of the Second Schedule to the Customs Act, which allows the Minister of Finance to authorize relief measures necessary for recovery in times of national disaster. It also upholds the intent of Section 14 of the Disaster Risk Management Act, supporting national resilience and community restoration.

Moreover, as highlighted in the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) “Building Resilient Recovery” Report (2023), timely and flexible fiscal relief measures such as extended import duty and tax waivers significantly enhance the speed, coordination, and overall impact of humanitarian and recovery efforts.

By granting this 180-day extension, the Government of Jamaica would:

Strengthen partnerships with the diaspora and international supporters
Sustain the flow of critical goods into affected communities
Support local rebuilding efforts
Uphold Jamaica’s long-standing tradition of compassion, resilience, and unity

We call upon the Government of Jamaica to act swiftly and compassionately by extending this relief period through April 30, 2026, ensuring that the spirit of giving and community solidarity continues to shine through the darkness left by the storm.

Let us stand together in compassion and action. Let us ensure that no family is left behind, and that our people receive the help and hope they deserve.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

The Jamaican Diaspora and Friends of Jamaica Worldwide