The Caribbean strengthens its resilience after the impact of Hurricane Melissa

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) held its traditional Holiday Dinner & Fundraiser in Miami, where regional resilience once again took center stage following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking from the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, Jamaica's Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, called for transforming Caribbean resilience into a scientific and systematic approach that allows for anticipating, managing, and overcoming increasingly intense crises. He warned that the region has entered an era of unprecedented storms, with economic and social impacts that demand a coordinated response.

Bartlett detailed that preliminary damages in Jamaica are estimated at between 28 and 32% of GDP, although some international assessments place losses exceeding $10 billion. He emphasized that tourism will once again be the engine of recovery, as it was after historic hurricanes such as Ivan in 2004, Irma and Maria in 2017, and Dorian in 2019. “When tourism recovers, income, hope, and dignity return,” he stated, reinforcing the strategic importance of the industry, which represents more than 30% of GDP in several Caribbean countries and more than 60% in the most dependent ones. In Jamaica, the sector directly and indirectly supports more than 300,000 workers.

The minister also noted that, according to ECLAC data, natural disasters caused $136 billion in damages in the Caribbean between 1990 and 2008. With recent hurricanes such as Beryl (2024) and Melissa, he emphasized that the region faces a new climate reality. In this regard, he highlighted the work of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which he co-founded in Jamaica, as a key platform for strengthening preparedness, response capacity, and recovery in tourist destinations.

Haiti's presentation provided one of the most moving moments of the evening. Innocent Junior Richard, Deputy Chief of Staff to Tourism Minister John Herrick Dessources, recounted how his trip to Miami took two days due to the suspension of domestic flights following Hurricane Melissa. With a message brimming with pride, resilience, and gratitude, he affirmed, “We want the CTO to know that we are still alive, we are still fighting.” He recalled that Haiti has faced multiple crises in less than a decade, from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 to the 2021 earthquake, without breaking the resolve of its people. “When Haitians say 'Sak Pase,' you respond 'N'ap boule': we are fighting and we continue to fight,” he declared, appealing for support for the country and celebrating Haiti's active return to the CTO.

Bartlett also thanked the CTO and its member countries for their solidarity, highlighting that the Caribbean shares not only a common sea and cultural identity, but also climate challenges that test the tourism sector. “The same waters that attract millions of visitors also carry storms of historic force. But in every season of adversity, one truth remains: the Caribbean rises again,” he stated, noting that resilience is an intrinsic part of the Caribbean spirit.

Throughout the evening, Barbados' CTO Chairman and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, reinforced the regional commitment to Jamaica and Haiti, highlighting creativity, collective strength, and a shared vision to ensure the future of the tourism industry in the Caribbean.

The event featured musical performances by Kevin Lyttle, Shuga, Spragga Benz, and steel panner Stan Brown from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Renowned Barbadian broadcaster Alex Jordan served as master of ceremonies. The funds raised will support tourism workers affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The sponsors of the evening included Barbados (Gold); the U.S. Virgin Islands (Silver); and Antigua and Barbuda, the CTO Allied Board and Dominica (Bronze).

Fuente: Caribbean Tourism Organization