Audit reveals underutilization of millions in donated Hurricane relief funds

Only $26 m of the over $1b donated to Jamaica for Hurricane Melissa relief, has been spent, as of February 2026.

This was highlighted in a report from the Auditor General, which was tabled in parliament today.

The AG explained that the  audit  sought  to  examine  whether  the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)  effectively  ensured  the  transparency  and  accountability  of resources received and utilised under the Hurricane Melissa relief initiative.

The audit identified areas of concern regarding utilisation of the disaster relief donated funds for both Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, by ODPEM.  

The AG said as at February 23, 2026, ODPEM received $1.44b in cash donations for Hurricane Melissa.

This comprises JA$473.4m, as well as US $6.1m from the Support Jamaica initiative and direct donations.

However, as at that date, only $26m, or 1.8%, had been expended.

Additionally, JA$138.8m, as well as US$101,974, from Hurricane Beryl cash donations remained unspent.

The AG said ODPEM did not provide information on the total funds collected and expended for that hurricane.

In its April 2026 response, ODPEM indicated that the low level of utilisation was due to the absence of authorisation from the ministry of finance to expend the funds.

The AG said as this engagement is being conducted concurrently with the relief efforts, the audit acknowledges the steps ODPEM has begun to take to address the issues identified.