by 
Published October 29, 2025
By Dean JonesDean Jones is a chartered builder, project manager, licensed real estate professional and the founder of Jamaica Homes, ... | Chartered ConstructionConstruction is the dynamic process of designing and erecting buildings and infrastructure, crucial for shaping modern l... ManagerIn Jamaica, a manager is an individual responsible for steering the operations of an organization, business, or project ... · ProjectA project is a special task or set of tasks that people work on to create something new or make something better. It has... Manager · Surveyor · Realtor
A Nation Tested by Storm and Spirit
On October 29, 2025, I joined CNN International’s Isa Soares Tonight live from JamaicaJamaica, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a unique position in the global real estate market. The i... to speak about the devastating impact of Hurricane MelissaHurricane Melissa
(noun) Definition:
Hurricane Melissa is a historic and catastrophic tropical cyclone that struck.... The storm, which packed winds up to 185 mph, left parts of the island unrecognizable — entire landscapes transformed, homes damaged, and communities isolated.
As someone who has dedicated my career to construction, real estateReal estate refers to property consisting of land and the structures on it, such as buildings and homes. It also include..., and project managementThe original definition of project management can be traced back to the basic principles of managing tasks and resources..., the experience struck deeply. Beyond the immediate destruction, Hurricane Melissa exposed a larger truth: Jamaica’s infrastructure and housing systems must be strengthened to face the realities of a changing climate.
Live on CNN: The Reality on the Ground
🎥 Watch my full interview with Isa Soares on CNN below:
Watch on YouTube →
In the interview, I described the scene from my communityIn Jamaica, "community" refers to more than just a geographic area; it embodies a collective identity rooted in shared e... — roads blocked, trees flattened, and homes damaged. But I also shared something more critical: the need for national collaboration and resilient rebuilding.
“As a Chartered Construction Manager, Surveyor, Project Manager, and Realtor, I knew the kind of damage a storm like this could bring to a developing country like Jamaica. We need to build smarter, plan strategically, and ensure that our infrastructure can withstand what’s coming.”
The Bigger Picture: Insurance, Housing, and Hope
Many JamaicansJamaicans are a resilient and vibrant people with a deep-rooted history defined by courage, resistance, and cultural ric... — including returning residentsReturning Residents are Jamaican nationals (or persons eligible through Jamaican descent or marriage to a Jamaican natio... — do not have insurance coverage due to prohibitively high costs. This leaves thousands vulnerable after every storm.
The reality is, rebuilding often comes from savings, family support, or sheer willpower.
I shared my hope that Hurricane Melissa willIn Jamaica, a will is a legal document created by an individual to specify how their assets, including their belongings ... be a turning point — one that pushes both government and private sectors to prioritize resilience, accessibilityAccessibility in Jamaican real estate refers to the design and adaptation of homes and buildings to ensure that individu..., and sustainability in how we designDesign is the art and science of creating plans and specifications for the construction of objects, structures, and syst... and rebuild homes, schools, and public spaces, while also addressing the urgent need for stronger and more reliable internet connectivity across Jamaica.
Although not every area loses service, the storm exposed how fragile our communication networks can be. In times like these, peopleThe people of Jamaica embody a spirit that is at once richly diverse and unbreakably unified, as captured by the nationa... should be able to reach loved ones, access information, and stay connected — even in the hardest-hit communities. True resilience must include digital infrastructure that can stand alongside our physical rebuilding efforts.
“This is a huge blow to the economy. But it’s also an opportunity to learn and do better — to invest in the kind of planningPlanning in Jamaica involves managing land, resources, and infrastructure to support economic growth, social development... and partnerships that will protect lives and livelihoods in the future.”
In Conversation with the World: BBC, LBC & More
Since Hurricane Melissa, I’ve continued sharing Jamaica’s story with global audiences — offering professional insights into how construction, real estateIn Jamaican real estate, an estate refers to the total collection of assets and property owned by an individual, especia..., and social resilience intersect during crises. Notably, hurricane straps must become a legal requirement across all new constructionNew construction in Jamaica and worldwide refers to the process of erecting a building or structure from the ground up, ... and major renovations. These simple yet vital fixtures can dramatically reduce roof loss and structural failure during extreme weather, saving lives and protecting propertyProperty encompasses a wide range of tangible assets that individuals or entities can own, utilize, or invest in, includ.... Jamaica’s building codes must evolve to make resilience a standard, not an option.
Here are a few of the interviews:
Each conversation reinforced the same message — that resilience is not just physical, it’s social, economic, and deeply personal.
A Call to Build Back Smarter
Disasters like Hurricane Melissa are reminders that resilience isn’t built overnight — it’s designed, engineered, and managed through leadership and collaboration.
As professionals, policymakers, and citizens, we all share a role in shaping the Jamaica we want for future generations. My commitmentIn Jamaican real estate, commitment refers to the dedication and assurance from buyers, sellers, or agents to fulfill th... remains to work with partners locally and internationally to help strengthen Jamaica’s housing sector, infrastructure, and sustainability strategies.
📞 For interviews, collaborations, or professional consultations:
+1 (876) 418-2524
office@jamaica-homes.com
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