Massive Damage Across the South and West
Hurricane Melissa left Jamaica reeling this week, striking with winds near 185 mph and flattening communities across Westmoreland, Black River, Treasure Beach, and neighbouring districts.
Local assessments indicate that up to 90 percent of roofs in some areas were torn away, windows shattered, and entire neighbourhoods reduced to scenes resembling a war zone. Many residents remain without power, water, or phone service; others are still searching for relatives amid widespread displacement.
A Voice From the Ground
Appearing live on CNN’s Isa Soares Tonight, Jamaican construction and real-estate professional Dean Jones described conditions as “a scene out of The Perfect Storm.”
“As a Chartered Construction Manager, Surveyor, Project Manager and Realtor, I knew the damage a storm like this could bring to a developing country like Jamaica,” Jones told CNN. “We need to build smarter, plan strategically, and make resilience part of our national culture.”
Jones returned to Jamaica four years ago to care for family and now stands among those clearing debris from blocked roads and damaged homes. His experience—both personal and professional—has made him one of the most prominent voices calling for a complete rethink of Jamaica’s building and disaster-preparedness framework.
Legal Standards and Safer Homes
In interviews with BBC World News, BBC News Live, and LBC Radio, Jones urged policymakers to update Jamaica’s building codes immediately.
“Hurricane straps must become a legal requirement across all new construction and major renovations,” he said. “These small but powerful fixtures can prevent roofs from being torn off during hurricanes. Our codes must evolve so resilience becomes the standard—not the exception.”
He also questioned whether lightweight roofing materials remain practical in hurricane-prone zones, suggesting that reinforced-concrete roofs may be essential for coastal communities despite higher costs.
Connectivity: A Hidden Weak Link
Beyond structural issues, Jones highlighted another vulnerability exposed by the storm: Jamaica’s communication networks.
“It’s not the same everywhere, but in many communities the networks went down after the storm,” he noted. “People who bought credit couldn’t call; families abroad couldn’t reach loved ones. Connectivity is not a luxury—it’s part of national resilience.”
He called for the government and telecom providers to treat digital connectivity as a core utility, with hardened mobile towers, underground fibre systems, and emergency redundancies to ensure every parish remains reachable during crises.
The Cost of Uninsured Losses
Most Jamaicans remain uninsured due to premiums that can be 10 to 15 times higher than those in the UK. The result, Jones warned, is a slow and painful recovery financed out of pocket.
“Too many Jamaicans rebuild from savings, family support, or pure determination,” he said. “We need affordable insurance models that protect ordinary people and help communities recover faster.”
Policy and Partnerships
Jones urged the government to strengthen enforcement of the National Building Code, empower municipal inspectors, and provide incentives—such as tax breaks or grant programmes—for homeowners who build to hurricane-resistant standards.
He also recommended national coordination between construction professionals, insurers, and telecommunications companies to craft a comprehensive resilience policy covering both physical and digital infrastructure.
Rebuilding Hope
Despite the devastation, Jones believes Hurricane Melissa can become a turning point.
“This is a blow to the economy, but it’s also a chance to rethink how we build and how we prepare,” he said. “We have the expertise and the talent; now we need the will to plan and invest in Jamaica’s future.”
As Executive Director of Projects at Cranfield University and founder of Jamaica Homes, Jones has pledged to use his platform to promote sustainable building practices and community resilience initiatives across the island.
Media Coverage
🎥 Watch Dean Jones on CNN – Isa Soares Tonight
🎙️ BBC World News Interview
📺 BBC News Live Segment
🎧 LBC Radio Interview
📞 For media or professional inquiries:
Dean Jones
Chartered Construction Manager | Project Manager | Surveyor | Realtor
📱 +1 (876) 418-2524