Jamaica’s Minister Calls for New Resilience Strategies in Caribbean Tourism Amid Mega-Storms

Published on December 12, 2025

As part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Annual Holiday Dinner & Fundraising event in Miami, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, gave an impassioned plea for the Caribbean to change its approach to mega-storms. He stated the Caribbean needs to change its passive, hurricane-Melissa approach to resilience. “Bartlett stated that the Caribbean has not suffered fatal consequences in its efforts toward resilience, but that balance must change in the face of the hurricane Melissa consequences.

Held at Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the event gathered key figures from the tourism sector, including government officials, industry leaders, and tourism partners. Minister Bartlett, reflecting on the catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa, reported that the storm had caused an estimated loss of 28-32% of Jamaica’s GDP, with international assessments estimating damages exceeding US$10 billion.

Tourism as the Pillar of Economic Recovery

Minister Bartlett emphasized that tourism, which plays a vital role in the region’s economy, would again spearhead the nation’s recovery. He cited previous recoveries from major hurricanes, such as Ivan in 2004, and more recently Irma, Maria, and Dorian, underscoring the sector’s critical role in restoring livelihoods. “Tourism restarts economies,” he said. “When tourism rebounds, livelihoods recover, hope grows, and people regain their sense of dignity.”

In the Caribbean, tourism contributes more than 30% of GDP in many countries and over 60% in tourism-dependent economies. In Jamaica alone, the sector sustains over 300,000 jobs directly and indirectly, making it the backbone of the island’s economic stability.

Urgent Action for Climate Adaptation and Disaster Recovery

Drawing from decades of hurricane experiences, Minister Bartlett cited alarming data from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which indicated US$136 billion in regional losses due to storms between 1990 and 2008. He stressed that the recent hurricanes, including Melissa and Beryl, signal a new climate reality that requires urgent action. He called for the region to build the capacity not only to predict such storms but to mitigate their impacts, recover swiftly, and thrive in their aftermath.

Bartlett pointed to the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which he co-founded in Jamaica, as a vital resource for addressing these challenges. The Centre’s work in enhancing resilience through scientific methods and crisis management is seen as key to the Caribbean’s long-term tourism strategy.

Haiti’s Continued Struggle and Resilience

In a heartfelt address, Innocent Junior Richard, Deputy Chief of Staff to Haiti’s Minister of Tourism, shared his personal experience of the struggles Haiti faces, having taken two days to travel to Miami due to flight suspensions caused by the storm. Richard emphasized that despite the numerous disasters Haiti has faced, including Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the 2021 earthquake, the country remains resilient. He echoed Haiti’s resolve, saying, “We want to let CTO know that we’re still alive, still fighting.” He ended his speech with a message of hope and solidarity, thanking attendees for their support.

Minister Bartlett also expressed his gratitude to the CTO and its partners for their solidarity with both Jamaica and Haiti, acknowledging the Caribbean’s unshakable spirit in the face of adversity.Bartlett noted that the seas welcoming millions of visitors can also deliver storms, yet through every challenge one thing remains unchanged: the Caribbean always rises. He emphasized that resilience isn’t merely a reaction for the region — it’s a defining part of its identity.

Regional Solidarity for a Better Future

CTO Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, who is also the Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados, joined Bartlett in stressing the importance of unity within the Caribbean. “We are one Caribbean family, united by resilience, creativity, and our shared hope for the future,” he declared, reinforcing the region’s commitment to working together to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.

The evening’s fundraiser, which featured performances by Caribbean artists including Kevin Lyttle, Shuga, and Spragga Benz, also included a call for contributions to support tourism workers who have been impacted by the storm. Proceeds from the event will be used to aid those within the tourism sector who have faced economic hardship due to the devastation.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Caribbean’s Tourism Industry

The Caribbean region reflected on its challenges while boosting marketing for its tourism sector. Hurricane mega-storms are increasing around the world, resulting in the need for climate recovery as well as disaster recovery built around scientific research. Jamaica and Haiti are the leaders in strengthening their stagnant tourism sector along with protecting the region’s critical tourism infrastructure.

Minister Bartlett is always proud of the Caribbean’s resilience. He stated that he is very proud to be Caribbean and he is always “full of heart”, which indicates that challenges are of little importance when compared to the Caribbean’s ability to work as a single, cohesive entity: “The Caribbean will rise.”

Source-Marketplace excellence