Small Business Operators Urged to Provide Accurate Data for Hurricane Melissa Grants

Micro and small business operators affected by Hurricane Melissa are being encouraged to provide accurate information when applying for assistance under the Government’s $500 million Small Business Restoration Grant, to help ensure that support is distributed fairly and reaches as many affected Jamaicans as possible.

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, says business owners must approach the application process with integrity and avoid overstating losses or claiming compensation for items that were not damaged or owned.

He was addressing the initiative’s latest outreach session, held at the First Assembly of God Church in Falmouth, Trelawny, on Wednesday (November 11).

Senator Hill pointed out that the Government’s resources are limited and, as such, the grant programme must be administered in a way that gives all affected business operators a fair opportunity to receive assistance.

“How much [assistance] you can get depends on which category you’re in. If you are in, for instance, tools of trade… you’re a tradesman… [and] you lose your saw, trowel, or other things… or if you’re a mechanic and you lose an engine or whatever… in that section, you can get up to $100,000,” the Minister explained.

Senator Hill noted that not all applicants would receive the maximum grant of $100,000, explaining that the amount awarded would be based on an assessment of the losses incurred, underscoring the importance of providing accurate information during the application process.

He pointed out that assessors from the Ministry would visit and meet with business operators as part of the exercise.

Meanwhile, Senator Hill noted that the application deadline is Monday, November 16, urging operators to submit their forms promptly to maximise their financial assistance.

Emphasising that a great deal of work still lies ahead in the recovery effort, he noted that the grant initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting its people.

Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collen Gager, thanked the Government for supporting communities throughout Trelawny.

He also praised the Minister’s personal visit as a testament to proactive leadership, noting that his hands-on approach sends a powerful message.