November 18, 2025 | Jamaica Information Service |
The devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaicans can still purchase coconut water from the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) in Kingston. CIB Chief Executive Officer Shaun Cameron confirmed that while the storm destroyed young female flowers—delaying future harvests—the main coconut-producing areas, including St. Thomas, St. Mary, Portland, and St. Catherine, were largely spared, ensuring continued supply.
The Category 5 hurricane caused severe damage to western farms, including the Board’s key hybridisation facility, which will significantly affect the industry’s recovery timeline. Cameron said teams are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and providing assistance to farmers who lost their crops.
Established in 1945, the CIB oversees Jamaica’s coconut industry, advising growers, monitoring national production, and distributing high-quality planting materials. The agency remains committed to helping affected communities rebuild and restore productivity.
While the sector faces setbacks, Cameron expressed optimism that Jamaica’s coconut industry will recover, emphasizing resilience and the Board’s dedication to supporting both farmers and consumers. Impacted farmers are encouraged to contact the CIB for assistance.
