Jamaica & The Bahamas

Jamaica: Jamaica was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, experiencing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, hospitals, and widespread power outages. The country has been designated a disaster zone, with estimated damages between $5 billion and $10 billion.

The Bahamas: The Bahamas was in the path of Hurricane Melissa, with warnings for life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall. The government ordered evacuations in southern portions of the archipelago.

Jamaica: Jamaica is directly in the path of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to be the strongest hurricane to hit the nation in decades, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure. The country has activated shelters and pre-positioned food packages.

The Bahamas: The The Bahamas are expected to experience tropical storm or hurricane conditions as Melissa moves across the southeastern islands, bringing winds, rain, and storm surge.

Jamaica: Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Melissa as a Category 5 storm, experiencing catastrophic wind damage, extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities. The island is expected to receive 12 to 24 inches of rain, with up to 30 inches in elevated areas, leading to ongoing flash flooding and landslides. Preliminary damage and economic loss estimates are $22 billion.

The Bahamas: The Bahamas are expected to experience hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall as Hurricane Melissa moves across the southeastern and central Bahamas.

Jamaica: Jamaica was directly hit by Hurricane Melissa as a Category 5 storm, resulting in at least eight deaths, 90% roof destruction in Black River, 77% of the island without power, and over 25,000 people in shelters. The country is facing enormous devastation and is beginning recovery efforts.

The Bahamas: The The Bahamas experienced heavy rains and gusty winds from Hurricane Melissa, with dozens of people evacuated and warnings of additional rainfall.

Jamaica: Jamaica was directly hit by Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm in its recorded history, causing catastrophic damage, widespread power outages, and significant disruption to infrastructure and daily life. The country faces a slow and challenging recovery.

The Bahamas: The The Bahamas were forecast to be struck by Hurricane Melissa after it passed through Cuba, with hurricane warnings issued for its southeastern and central regions.

Jamaica: Jamaica reached a similar labor exchange agreement with Ghana in January 2026, indicating a broader trend of Ghanaian labor export.

The Bahamas: The Bahamas receives 300 Ghanaian teachers to address education sector needs, strengthening bilateral relations.

Jamaica: Jamaica sent personnel to join the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti.

The Bahamas: The Bahamas sent personnel to join the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti.

Jamaica: Gay sex remains criminalized in Jamaica.

The Bahamas: The Bahamas decriminalized homosexuality in 1991, serving as a regional precedent.