MP Purkiss Stands Up for Tourism Workers After Hurricane Melissa

Hanover Eastern is home to a significant number of workers employed in Jamaica's tourism sector. When Hurricane Melissa disrupted operations at hotels and resorts across the island in late 2025, thousands of hospitality workers faced sudden income loss — many without adequate safety nets.

MP Andrea Purkiss took the issue directly to Parliament in January 2026, raising concerns about how tourism workers in her constituency were being treated in the aftermath of the storm. She highlighted gaps in emergency income support and called for a clearer framework to protect workers during natural disasters.

"Our tourism workers are the backbone of this parish's economy. When a storm hits, they lose shifts, they lose income, and too often they are left to manage on their own. That is not acceptable," MP Purkiss said.

She called on the government to establish clear protocols ensuring that tourism employees receive timely relief when their workplaces are forced to close due to natural events — and that such support reaches workers across all parishes, including Hanover Eastern.

The MP continues to monitor how the sector is recovering and has pledged to remain a voice for hospitality workers throughout the recovery period.