The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is highlighting the critical role the business sector will play as Jamaica works to rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

State Minister Donovan Williams said the business sector will be instrumental in the stabilisation of Jamaica’s economy and how quickly individuals, families and communities regain a sense of normalcy.

“When businesses reopen, rehire, reorganise and reinvest, they restore confidence and help to drive the national momentum. This is why the Government relies on your support as critical partners in the process of recovery from this crisis,” the state minister added.

He was delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Business & Personal Etiquette Conference 2025, hosted by Make Your Mark Consultants, on December 1 at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, under the theme ‘The New Rules of Engagement’.

The state minister said the business community is a partner to the Jamaican Government as various aspects of national recovery are being addressed.

“Hurricane Melissa has caused disruptions that will affect productivity, supply chains and the pace of commerce islandwide. We acknowledge these difficulties and remain deeply appreciative of the resilience, resourcefulness and innovation that have always defined the Jamaican business sector,” Williams said.

He argued that while the Government is committed to supporting residents through social protection programmes, workforce initiatives and income support programmes, the country’s recovery requires collective action.

He expressed gratitude to members of the Humanitarian Assistance Committee, the private sector, civil society, international partners and communities for their partnership in the country’s recovery from the catastrophic hurricane.

Meanwhile, Williams hailed the timeliness of the conference and its theme, noting that in this post-hurricane Melissa period, it challenges leaders to “to re-examine the way we show up, connect and guide our teams in moments that test our resolve.”

He said that times of uncertainty require effective communication, which the Government has provided to the nation through timely updates of damage assessments, reports on relief efforts and providing guidance for families to access the support they require.

“The business community faces similar responsibilities towards employees, customers and partners. People want clarity, they want accurate information, and they want the reassurance that decisions are being made with both wisdom and empathy,” Minister Williams said.

The one-day conference, which includes panel discussions from various industry leaders in marketing, communication, brand management and etiquette, will provide attendees with tools on how to navigate the hurricane recovery process, while delivering excellent service to grow and elevate the Jamaican business landscape.

Dr Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, managing director of Make Your Mark Group, pointed out that countries that successfully rebuilt after major crises reinforced the human elements of work: order, respect, communication, service excellence and professionalism, and this will be required in local businesses.

“Jamaica’s growth and workplace transformation will rely not only on strategy and resources, but on behaviour, discipline, communication and standards that we uphold every day,” Dr Coke-Lloyd said.