Holness: Black River Will Rise Again After Hurricane Melissa
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has delivered a message centred on recovery, renewal and resilience to residents of Black River, asserting that the historic town will rebound stronger in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
Addressing residents during New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Prime Minister pledged his personal commitment to the town’s recovery, stating: “I [give you] my commitment that I will work tirelessly on your behalf. That we will work cooperatively, that we will work transparently, fairly and honestly for you. I give you my commitment that Black River will rise again.”
The remarks were made at the inaugural Black River Fireworks Festival, organised by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and staged at the Black River Courthouse in the St. Elizabeth capital on Wednesday night (Dec. 31).
During the address, Dr. Holness assured the hundreds in attendance that the administration remains firmly aligned with the people, telling the gathering that “Government stands firmly with you.”
According to the Prime Minister, the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa has opened the door for a critical moment of change and long-term redevelopment for the town.
“The hurricane was a disaster. It created a crisis, but every crisis creates an opportunity and this is an opportunity to rebuild Black River, not the way it was, but to rebuild Black River for the future; to be able to provide you with a better opportunity for prosperity and success in your life, to be able to withstand the storms of the future, which will no doubt come again,” he said.
Further outlining the scope of the planned reconstruction, Dr. Holness stressed that resilience will be central to the rebuilding effort, noting that “when the next storm blows, Black River will not be flattened. Black River will be standing strong, protecting its people and that is what the reconstruction is about. It will be a massive undertaking.”
Emphasis was also placed on community involvement, with the Prime Minister indicating that residents will play a central role in shaping the town’s redevelopment and securing long-term stability.
“This is now an opportunity to rebuild Black River in a way that is inclusive…. where all of you can have a place with a title to the place that you have. That’s the dream, that’s the objective,” he stated.
Amid the tone of rebuilding, Dr. Holness encouraged reflection and gratitude as the country transitions into the new year following the storm.
“Let us give God thanks for sparing our lives to see 2026. As bad as things are, it could have been worse. Let us spare a moment to remember those who did not make it and those who perished in the storm or because of the storm,” he said.
The event, staged under the theme ‘Life, Love and Recovery’, was designed to offer residents and visitors a safe, family-friendly space to welcome the New Year while helping to restore community spirit after the hurricane.
Organisers indicated that the festival aligns with the UDC’s wider objective of advancing urban renewal, strengthening community engagement and supporting sustainable development across town centres islandwide.
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