Black River's economic hub has been crippled by the lack of recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa's destruction. Business owners are pleading for financial assistance, direct communication, and reassurance about the town's future.

Kadian Myers Brown, president of the Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the struggles of entrepreneurs in Black River during a recent meeting with community stakeholders. Myers Brown emphasized that the town's commercial sector is facing severe devastation, with a mere 15% of business owners having managed to resume operations.

According to the Black River Business Survey Report, employment and income have decreased by 87% among those who employ fewer than 10 people. Only 5% of the Chamber of Commerce's members have been able to resume operations, and many local business owners in Black River do not belong to the chamber.

Myers Brown pointed out that institutions like the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) could be doing more to assist small business owners. However, she noted that many business owners lack insurance, and for those who do, the payouts are often undervalued.

The Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government and financial institutions to collaborate and provide stronger, targeted support to small businesses. Myers Brown emphasized that if immediate government action is taken, Black River's commercial sector can successfully recover, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

The Government's plan to rebuild Black River as a climate-resilient town is slowly materializing, with a new inland urban centre and upgraded coastal defences in the works. However, the slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future.

'There is nothing that is happening in this space.'

  • Kadian Myers Brown, President of the Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is advocating for the Government to come up with a more comprehensive plan to support Black River's business community. Myers Brown emphasized that the local commercial sector can recover if both the Government and financial institutions provide stronger support to small businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce has made several calls to the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) to request assistance for small business owners in Black River. However, the response has been slow, leaving many business owners feeling frustrated and helpless.

Black River Business Survey Report

  • Employment and income have decreased by 87% among those who employ fewer than 10 people.
  • Only 5% of the Chamber of Commerce's members have been able to resume operations.
  • Many local business owners in Black River do not belong to the chamber.
  • Only 20% of business owners have managed to resume operations.
  • The Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government and financial institutions to collaborate and provide stronger, targeted support to small businesses.

Black River's recovery hinges on immediate government action. Business owners are counting on the Government to come up with a more comprehensive plan to support the town's commercial sector.

The Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government to work with financial institutions to provide stronger support to small businesses. Myers Brown emphasized that this will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help restore Black River to its former glory.

The Government's plan to rebuild Black River as a climate-resilient town is a welcome step. However, the slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future.

Black River's economic hub is on life support. Business owners are struggling to stay afloat in a town with a dwindling economy.

The Chamber of Commerce is advocating for the Government to come up with a more comprehensive plan to support Black River's business community. Myers Brown emphasized that the local commercial sector can recover if both the Government and financial institutions provide stronger support to small businesses.

Myers Brown pointed out that many business owners lack insurance, and for those who do, the payouts are often undervalued. She urged the Government to work with insurance companies to provide better support to small business owners.

The slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future. However, Myers Brown remains optimistic that with the right support, Black River's commercial sector can recover.

The Government's plan to rebuild Black River as a climate-resilient town is a welcome step. However, the slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future.

The Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government to work with financial institutions to provide stronger support to small businesses. Myers Brown emphasized that this will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help restore Black River to its former glory.

Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ)

  • The DBJ has been contacted by the Chamber of Commerce to request assistance for small business owners in Black River.
  • However, the response has been slow, leaving many business owners feeling frustrated and helpless.
  • The DBJ has the power to come in and rescue Black River business owners by providing financial assistance and support.

Black River's economic hub is in a state of crisis. Business owners are struggling to stay afloat in a town with a dwindling economy.

The Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government to come up with a more comprehensive plan to support Black River's business community. Myers Brown emphasized that the local commercial sector can recover if both the Government and financial institutions provide stronger support to small businesses.

Myers Brown pointed out that many business owners lack insurance, and for those who do, the payouts are often undervalued. She urged the Government to work with insurance companies to provide better support to small business owners.

The Chamber of Commerce is advocating for the Government to come up with a more comprehensive plan to support Black River's business community. Myers Brown emphasized that the local commercial sector can recover if both the Government and financial institutions provide stronger support to small businesses.

The slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future. However, Myers Brown remains optimistic that with the right support, Black River's commercial sector can recover.

The Government's plan to rebuild Black River as a climate-resilient town is a welcome step. However, the slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future.

Black River's economic hub is on life support. Business owners are struggling to stay afloat in a town with a dwindling economy.

The Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government to work with financial institutions to provide stronger support to small businesses. Myers Brown emphasized that this will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help restore Black River to its former glory.

The slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future. However, Myers Brown remains optimistic that with the right support, Black River's commercial sector can recover.

The Government's plan to rebuild Black River as a climate-resilient town is a welcome step. However, the slow pace of recovery efforts is leaving business owners frustrated and worried about the town's future.