Jamaica’s Government has moved to defend its management of the island’s cement supply chain after shortages triggered by Hurricane Melissa and operational disruptions at Caribbean Cement Company Limited threatened to slow construction activity across the island.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on 24 June 2026, Minister of State Delano Seiveright outlined the scale of the challenge and the steps taken to keep the country’s building programme on track.
Construction Employs One in Ten Jamaican Workers
According to figures cited in Parliament, the construction sector employed between 131,200 and 146,700 individuals between January 2025 and January 2026, representing approximately nine to ten per cent of total national employment. Seiveright warned that a major cement supply shock would ripple through real estate, transportation, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing.
What Caused the Shortage
Two factors converged. Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) suffered equipment failures and weather-related disruptions. Buying House Cement Limited (BHCL) lost extensive warehouse capacity following Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Both disruptions struck at a moment when post-hurricane reconstruction demand was rising sharply.
Government’s Response
The ministry approved import permits totalling 170,000 metric tonnes and Cabinet subsequently authorised a further 490,000 metric tonnes across six companies. Caribbean Cement has committed to establishing around 12,000 square feet of new warehousing in Spanish Town and is exploring additional storage in Mandeville. The Consumer Affairs Commission is monitoring stock levels, pricing, and availability across the market.
“Given the measures the ministry has instituted, we foresee no prolonged shortage of cement.”
— Minister of State Delano Seiveright, 24 June 2026
Why This Matters for Property
Jamaica currently has over 40,000 housing solutions at various stages of development, including more than 10,700 units under active construction. The NHT plans to start a further 10,675 solutions in 2026–27. With Hurricane Melissa reconstruction ongoing and tourism hotel projects continuing across the north coast, demand on the island’s cement supply will remain elevated. Developers, contractors, and self-builders should factor supply-side risk into their project planning and procurement timelines.
Source: Jamaica Observer, 24 June 2026
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