Jamaica’s Economy Shrinks 5.9% as Hurricane Melissa’s Bill Comes Due

Jamaica’s economy shrank by 5.9% in Q1 2026 due to Hurricane Melissa, with damages, losses, and added costs reaching $12.2 billion—equivalent to 56.7% of the island’s 2024 output. Mining and agriculture sectors fell by 26.6% and 20.3%, respectively, while tourism lodging was also impacted.