World Business Report Hurricane Melissa hits Jamaica
Oct 28, 2025
Dean Jones, a realtor on Jamaica's north coast, shares a gripping firsthand account of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, detailing the chaos of sheltering and communication failures. Milton Walker from the Jamaica Gleaner highlights the economic toll, including closed airports and agricultural destruction. Walter Todd discusses the impact of US–China relations on market expectations and the role of rare earth elements. Laura Bicker offers insights from South Korea, covering protests during high-stakes presidential visits and the delicate geopolitical balance.
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Realtor's Firsthand Storm Experience
- Dean Jones described barricading with family in an inner room as Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica's north coast.
- He reported trees down, power out, and difficulty contacting relatives in affected areas.
Reinforce Roofs And Consider Insurance
- Use hurricane straps and reinforced slab roofs to reduce wind damage risk for buildings.
- Insure properties where affordable, because uninsured homeowners face severe financial exposure after storms.
Economic Shock From Coastal Devastation
- Milton Walker warned Jamaica's agriculture and airports faced severe disruption, causing likely food shortages and halted tourism revenue.
- He highlighted possible long-term infrastructure relocation and expensive rebuilding for coastal hospitals and utilities.