Jamaica's Post-Hurricane Reforestation
Jamaica's Forestry Department is making significant progress with its RE-LEAF Initiative following Hurricane Melissa. The department has planted 4,000 trees since January to restore damaged hillsides, creating potential partnership opportunities for local landscaping companies to contribute to the national restoration effort.
Hurricane Melissa's impact in October 2025 was significant, with assessments revealing that approximately 51% of Jamaica's forests suffered moderate to severe damage. The storm's aftermath prompted the creation of the RE-LEAF (Reforestation, Ecological Enhancement, and Landscape Framework) Initiative, which serves as the national operational framework for post-hurricane forest recovery and long-term resilience. The initial phase of the RE-LEAF Initiative, running from January to June 2026, aims to plant 300,000 seedlings. This includes 170,000 seedlings in priority watersheds, 50,000 in urban and peri-urban areas, and 30,000 fruit trees to bolster food security. International partners, such as the Trees That Feed Foundation, have contributed to this effort with grants for fruit tree distribution. For landscaping companies in the Montego Bay area, the focus on urban and peri-urban planting presents a direct opportunity. The Forestry Department is actively assessing new sites for nursery capacity in western Jamaica, including St. James parish, to support the increased demand for seedlings. Direct engagement with the Forestry Department's North West Regional Office in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, is a key first step for local businesses looking to participate. A primary avenue for corporate involvement is the Forestry Department's "Adopt-a-Hillside" program. This initiative allows private sector entities to enter into three-year agreements to fund and participate in the reforestation of designated hillsides within forest reserves, with the department providing technical guidance and seedlings. Companies like Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) have previously participated in this program. To bid on potential government contracts for larger-scale landscaping and reforestation projects under RE-LEAF, businesses must register as a supplier on the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement (GOJEP) website. This registration is mandatory for contractors wanting to bid on government projects. The Public Procurement Commission requires a valid Tax Compliance Certificate for registration. Local businesses in Montego Bay can also connect with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is involved in environmental and beautification projects within the city. These local business associations can provide valuable networking opportunities and information on private sector-led green initiatives in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. In addition to reforestation, the government has launched broader business recovery programs. The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) introduced a J$10 billion "M5 Business Recovery Programme" to provide loans and grants to businesses impacted by the hurricane. This financial support can assist landscaping companies in scaling up their operations to meet the demands of national restoration efforts.
