UK and Jamaica sign partnership to fast-track Hurricane Melissa reconstruction

November 3, 2026

The United Kingdom and Jamaica have entered into a major four-year partnership to accelerate national reconstruction, restore critical infrastructure and strengthen the country’s resilience to future disasters.

The government-to-government partnership was signed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Sunday in Antigua and Barbuda by UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Ed Miliband and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith.

The initiative will begin with a £10 million, British pound, one-year programme, funded equally by the UK Government and Jamaica, reflecting a shared commitment to Jamaica’s long-term recovery and resilience.

UK funding is confirmed for the first year, and funding for future years will be addressed as the programme develops.

The partnership is expected to help Jamaica unlock significant reconstruction and development financing by advancing the preparation and implementation of investment-ready projects.

It will also strengthen the country’s capacity to deliver major infrastructure programmes.

Speaking on the partnership, Minister Johnson Smith stated that by combining Jamaican leadership and expertise with the UK’s experience in major infrastructure delivery, the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of services will be accelerated.

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Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert said following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the UK is standing alongside Jamaica.

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A central priority of the partnership will be supporting Jamaica’s National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) with specialist technical expertise to strengthen project planning, coordination and oversight, and accelerate the implementation of the government’s reconstruction and resilience programme.

The partnership will help move priority projects from planning to implementation more quickly, supported by stronger technical systems and effective programme management.