Jamaica faces significant fiscal challenges as reconstruction efforts require $6.3 billion in new loans, forcing a one-year suspension of fiscal rules and increasing the debt-to-GDP ratio. Financial Reality: • Hurricane damage: $8.8 billion • New loans needed: $6.3 billion • Fiscal rules suspended for one year • Debt-to-GDP ratio will increase temporarily Government Response: Finance officials emphasize that this is a necessary step to fund critical reconstruction while maintaining essential government services. The fiscal rule suspension is temporary and includes plans to return to fiscal discipline once recovery is underway. Insurance Gaps: The disaster has exposed gaps in Jamaica insurance coverage and infrastructure resilience, prompting calls for upgraded insurance systems and better disaster preparedness mechanisms. Long-term Planning: Economists stress the importance of using reconstruction funds wisely to build resilient infrastructure that will reduce future disaster costs and protect Jamaica fiscal stability. Transparency Commitment: Government has committed to full transparency in how reconstruction funds are allocated and spent, with regular public reporting and oversight mechanisms.