Border to get hurricane defence as revetment work begins next week
FORTIFICATON of the sea wall (revetment) to protect Border — the busy commercial strip between…
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Hurricane Melissa
Business
Restoration Portal
Building Forward Stronger
As part of the national recovery effort, the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica's Business Ministry, and its agencies, have launched the Business Restoration Initiative to help MSME businesses rebuild, reopen, and recover.
Restoring a Key Commercial Hub
On Friday, 16 January 2026, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) officially reopened the business kiosks/shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The reopening restored a vital commercial area and source of income for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Acting on a directive from Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, the Ministry rebuilt and strengthened the facilities to ensure business operators could reopen safely, earn again, and withstand future extreme weather events.
The redevelopment of this key gastronomy commercial area was supported by strong partnerships with J. Wray & Nephew, who invested J$10 million in branding and beautification; the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), who provided buckets to shop owners; the Sean Paul Foundation, who assisted with some initial donations of zinc and board to some vendors; and Wisynco, who supplied branded gear.
Key outcomes:
- Border now has 51 business kiosks: Thirty-seven (37) were reconstructed and fourteen (14) added.
- Kiosks feature new concrete foundations with hurricane straps and reinforced roofing
- A shared kitchen facility with 11 wood-burning stations to support food vendors
This initiative forms part of the Government of Jamaica's wider business restoration effort to protect jobs, restore livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience.
Keeping Businesses Operating After Hurricane Melissa
Following Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) implemented a Generator Loan Programme to support businesses in communities where electricity had not yet been restored.
Under the programme, 40 generators were purchased and loaned to affected businesses to help them continue operations, preserve goods, and maintain livelihoods during prolonged power outages.
As electricity is restored, generators are returned and re-loaned to other businesses still without power, ensuring continued support across the hardest-hit communities.
Key outcomes:
- 40 generators deployed across affected parishes
- Businesses able to remain open and operational
- Equipment continuously re-circulated to maximise reach and impact
As noted by Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, the programme continues to expand as part of the Government's broader effort to restore commerce and protect MSMEs.
Recovery in Action
The Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce, Jamaica's Business Ministry and its agencies are on the ground, helping businesses recover and build stronger. Explore some of the key initiatives underway.
(Click below for more information.)
Updates from the Ground
News articles and social media updates on recovery efforts & initiatives led by the Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce and its agencies.
News Articles
Official Reopening of Business Kiosks and Shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, on January 16
The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) will host the official reopening of the…
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Fish and Bammy Vendors in Border Grateful for Government Intervention – Jamaica Information Service
Sales are picking up for vendors at the popular Border food stop, following Government’s intervention…
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Industry minister seeking restoration of bridge at Border Fishing Village
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill has written to Works Minister Robert…
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