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Jamaica is now entering a critical phase of rebuilding following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, with international partners, including the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), a United Nations agency, playing a key role in strengthening the country’s transition from emergency response to long-term, resilient reconstruction.

According to William Squier González, UNOPS Portfolio Development Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean Region, the agency’s involvement is rooted in its core mandate to support governments in delivering projects efficiently and effectively.

“UNOPS is a demand-driven, non-programmatic agency of the United Nations with a specific focus on implementation and delivery acceleration…we help governments in implementing projects”, González explained.

He noted that UNOPS’ engagement in Jamaica intensified shortly after the hurricane, following a request from the government.

“We started deploying people in Jamaica one week after Hurricane Melissa…to support the National Emergency Operations Centre in the coordination of the response,” he said.

Jamaica Setting Its Own Priorities

As the country moves into reconstruction, González emphasised that the direction of recovery is being shaped locally. “The priorities… are set by Jamaica…through the conversations that the government and the country are having in a democratic way.”

He added that UNOPS’s role is not to dictate policy, but to ensure that plans can be effectively carried out. “We support from a technical perspective—how do we make it efficient, how do we make it implementable…so that the plan and strategy…is executed in a successful manner.”

Turning Plans Into Results

Drawing from global experience, González pointed to a common challenge faced by countries recovering from disasters—bridging the gap between planning and execution.

“You need to count on three main ingredients…a vision and strategy…the ability to mobilise resources… and the mechanisms to implement your vision,” he said.

He stressed that even with strong plans and funding, success ultimately depends on execution systems that deliver real outcomes for citizens. At the same time, he underscored the need to balance speed with accountability. “Transparency is non-negotiable, and efficiency is non-negotiable either”.

Improving Coordination on the Ground

A key contribution from UNOPS has been strengthening coordination among multiple actors involved in the response and recovery effort.

“UNOPS was directly embedded…working day and night…participating in every coordination effort”, González said, referring to collaboration with the ODPEM.

He explained that effective coordination helps to prevent duplication and ensures resources are distributed where they are most needed.

“You need a centralised, well-functioning mechanism…to take the best informed and most impactful decisions.”

Data Driving Reconstruction Efforts

Post-disaster assessments have placed Jamaica’s total damage and loss at approximately US$12 billion, shaping the scale of reconstruction efforts now underway.

While other agencies focus on sector-specific needs, González said UNOPS’ contribution centres on implementation. “What UNOPS brings…is recommendations on the path and the roadmap for making this implementable.”

Building a More Resilient Jamaica

Beyond rebuilding, González stressed that resilience must be central to Jamaica’s long-term development. “Putting resilience at the heart of the trajectory for development would already be a strategic decision,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening both preparedness and recovery capacity. “There are two capacities you need to strengthen… your capacity to withstand and your capacity to bounce back.”

Ambitious Plans, Achievable Goals

Despite the scale of the challenge, González expressed confidence in Jamaica’s recovery plans, describing them as bold but realistic.

“These are very bold plans…very ambitious plans…but that doesn’t mean they’re not achievable. If there is a consensus…and the willingness for all parties to work towards that…I believe it is achievable.”

He noted that success will ultimately be measured by how well the country can protect its people and recover from future shocks.

“How ready is it to withstand the next Category 5…how many people have recovered…and how better prepared are you for the next one?”

Lessons for the Caribbean

González said Jamaica’s experience offers important lessons for other Caribbean nations facing similar climate threats, particularly in building partnerships and coordination systems. “Jamaica has been very successful at leveraging the support of the international community…this is something that needs to be capitalised on.”

With continued collaboration and a strong focus on resilience, he suggested that countries across the region can better prepare for and recover from future disasters.