BPO Recovery in Jamaica: Navigating Challenges Post-Hurricane Melissa
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Last week, the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) gathered with State Minister Delano Seiveright to discuss the pressing issues facing the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The storm, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, left a trail of destruction, particularly affecting BPO facilities in the Montego Bay Free Zone.
During the meeting, GSAJ director Gloria Henry, who also serves as vice-president for BPO and logistics at the Port Authority of Jamaica, highlighted a significant hurdle: the slow and costly disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). “The process really has moved very slowly and somewhat retarded our rebuilding,” she explained. The rigorous regulations surrounding e-waste disposal have complicated recovery efforts, as damaged equipment must be accounted for before it can be discarded.
Henry pointed out that the disposal system is not only complex but also expensive. “You wouldn’t believe that it’s more convoluted to get rid of waste than to bring in the equipment into Jamaica,” she said. With only one certified entity available for disposal, companies face delays and high costs, which hinder their ability to rebuild and resume operations.
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa saw many facilities, including Barnett Tech Park and itel BPO, grappling with flooding and structural damage. “When places flooded and the computers got damaged, some of those were damaged beyond repair,” Henry noted. While many sites have undergone substantial repairs and are back online, the recovery process has not been as smooth as anticipated.
Minister Seiveright acknowledged the challenges posed by e-waste disposal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining environmental standards. “E-waste is a challenge globally,” he remarked. He reassured the GSAJ that the government is open to reviewing the disposal process, especially in light of the unique challenges posed by post-hurricane recovery.
Wayne Sinclair, president of the GSAJ, expressed gratitude for the government’s support and proposed promotional assistance to bolster Jamaica’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. “The industry has rebounded strongly following the impact of Hurricane Melissa,” he stated, highlighting that most operations were restored within three months. Sinclair believes that government-led promotions will signal to international partners that Jamaica is back in business, reinforcing confidence in the sector.
As the BPO sector employs over 50,000 people, its recovery is crucial for Jamaica’s economy. The resilience shown by these companies is commendable, but the road ahead requires collaboration between the government and industry leaders to streamline processes and ensure a swift recovery.
With the support of the government and the determination of the BPO community, Jamaica is poised to overcome these challenges. Will the proposed changes to the e-waste disposal process pave the way for a quicker recovery? Only time will tell, but the spirit of collaboration and resilience remains strong in the heart of Jamaica.