This morning, I spoke at the Caribbean Infrastructure Forum about Jamaica’s national response to Hurricane Melissa and the work ahead as we move from resilience to resurgence.

Melissa tested our country in ways that we will not forget. It affected homes, roads, businesses, farms and communities, and many Jamaicans are still rebuilding their lives.

Our responsibility now is to rebuild with purpose. We must restore what was damaged, strengthen our infrastructure and make sure the roads, bridges, drainage systems, schools, health facilities and communities we rebuild are better prepared for the storms of tomorrow.

I also emphasised that this recovery must create opportunities for Jamaican businesses, workers and communities. Reconstruction must strengthen our own capacity and help to drive investment, jobs and economic growth.

The road ahead will require discipline, accountability and the determination of Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora. Melissa created a crisis, but we have an opportunity to use this moment to build the Jamaica we know we can be.

We are moving from resilience to resurgence.