Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Cruise ships are set to dock in Ocho Rios this Tuesday and Wednesday, signaling the first major tourism activity since Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28. The hurricane caused widespread destruction across the island’s north and south coasts, leaving at least 32 dead and billions in damages.
The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has restored electricity to parts of St Ann, though some areas, including Moon Palace, remain without power. Only one of four major traffic light intersections in Ocho Rios is fully operational, and some schools are reopening even as outages continue. Vana Taylor, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Ocho Rios-Runaway Bay Chapter, praised local resilience and government efforts, including support from JPS, the National Water Commission, and the National Works Agency.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness emphasized the economic toll, estimating losses at US$6–7 billion (28–32% of GDP), and stressed the importance of reopening tourism and commerce to restore confidence and livelihoods.
Currently, 62% of JPS customers have power, 53% of NWC critical sites are operational, and 66% of major health facilities have electricity. As cruise ships return, Ocho Rios is gradually recovering, reaffirming Jamaica as a resilient and vibrant Caribbean travel destination.
Read full story: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20251109/jamaica-welcome-cruise-ships-ocho-rios-week?fbclid=IwY2xjawN-U_dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTZkdsbWlyMHh1NTdHUFNxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl1alRf6wj8eyH24z1lquiCWlQSK1cLhZk3fMoLdeCoQgrxniOBRsS3JGNqO_aem_K7Tzr3H8SVrrt8144RKW2g
