Jamaica launches platform to strengthen hurricane response and recovery efforts

Jamaica has strengthened its disaster response and recovery capabilities ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season with the establishment of GeoConnect, a multi-agency data governance framework designed to improve coordination and transparency in post-disaster assistance.

The initiative was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at Jamaica House on Tuesday, June 2, by Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, and five Permanent Secretaries.

GeoConnect provides a secure, centralized platform that allows government ministries and agencies to share, cross-reference and verify damage assessment data in real time, helping to streamline disaster recovery efforts and reduce duplication in the distribution of benefits.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Arlene Williams, said the platform was conceived in the aftermath of the devastating impact of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in October 2025. The system was developed by the National Spatial Data Management Branch, a portfolio agency within the ministry.

According to Williams, GeoConnect enables participating agencies to match beneficiary records across multiple platforms using taxpayer registration numbers (TRNs), location information and assessment data. The system can identify overlapping submissions, flag duplicate benefits and support more transparent allocation of public resources.

“In a recent Auditor General report, she spoke about duplication of benefits, and these are risks that we mitigate by having such a platform in which we can cross-check the data,” Williams said.

She explained that the platform allows officials to review records and make informed decisions when previous assistance has been identified. However, she emphasized that receiving an earlier benefit will not automatically disqualify individuals from obtaining additional support.

Instead, she said, the type and scale of any further assistance will depend on the level of aid already received.

“By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, together with the accompanying data-sharing and data-processing agreements, we are establishing the governance framework that ensures that this platform operates under the full authority of the Data Protection Act, with clear roles, accountability and safeguards,” Williams said.

She noted that GeoConnect represents the first multi-agency geospatial data governance arrangement implemented by the Jamaican government.

Williams added that the initiative will not only support the country's preparedness and recovery efforts during the 2026 hurricane season but also serve as a model for future national programs requiring coordinated verification and data-sharing across government agencies.

Government officials say the platform is expected to enhance efficiency, accountability and collaboration in disaster management while ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.