The Perils of Centralized Power: Lessons from Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa Response.

By Richard Hugh Blackford; Fine Artist, Author, and Social Commentator

In the face of disaster, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Unfortunately, the recent response to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has exposed a glaring weakness in the country's leadership structure. It would appear that the Prime Minister's decision to assign himself to multiple critical portfolios, including Land, Housing, NWC, NHT, NEPA, and more, has led to a catastrophic failure in disaster management.

The Problem with Hoarding Power

When one person attempts to micromanage multiple portfolios, it not only undermines the autonomy of cabinet ministers but also stifles their ability to develop their skills and expertise. The result is a team of individuals who are unprepared to take charge of their respective portfolios, relying instead on the Prime Minister for direction. More importantly, it is evident that the Prime Minister, by not involving the country's Opposition in the Recovery planning and implementation process, has sent a message to the country that this Hurricane Relief response is a politically partisan affair. At the very least, this is the optics that such an approach indicates. Just a smidgen less than half of the Jamaican electorate voted for the Opposition party, and by Law, the Opposition does represent an important component of the country's governance mechanism. Leaving them out of the process says "we are only concerned for Jamaicans who voted for us."

The Consequences

The consequences of this centralized approach to governance are stark and has been on full display for those paying more than scant partisan political supporting attention to discern. The devastating hit of the island by the Super Hurricane Melissa on October 29, 2025 has exposed the inherent weaknesses in this hoarding of Power. The Government's response to Hurricane Melissa has been painfully slow, and the lack of autonomy among cabinet ministers has hindered the effectiveness of disaster relief efforts. The Prime Minister's office has become overwhelmed, and the country's ability to respond to the disaster has been severely impaired.

A Better Way

So, what can be done differently? The answer lies in a comprehensive shift in approach. The Prime Minister needs to empower cabinet ministers to take charge of their portfolios. By providing them with autonomy and responsibility, the Prime Minister can foster a culture of accountability and innovation. We know that regular cabinet meetings are held, but it seems that a lighter grip will ensure that ministers will be forced to become more proactive especially when they know they will be held accountable for their actions and must provide updates on their progress. Of equal importance is the need to engage the members of the Opposition, and all of the sub-parliamentary level political personnel, inclusive of those on the opposition side of the political ledger. This sends s message to the Jamaican population of inclusiveness and concretizes the principle of "all hands on deck." For we will need every available Jamaican to be on board and identifying as owning the recovery effort to get the island back to normalcy. Most importantly, such a move colours the Prime Minister as being inclusive while repairing his image.

The Way Forward

As Jamaica rebuilds and recovers from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, it's essential to rethink not only the way the way the government is structured. By decentralizing power and empowering cabinet ministers, the country can build a more resilient and effective disaster response system. It's time for a new approach to leadership, one that prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and the development of individual skills.

Conclusion

The response to Hurricane Melissa has highlighted the dangers of centralized power and the importance of effective leadership. As Jamaica looks to the future, it's crucial that the government learns from its mistakes and adopts a more decentralized approach to governance. Only then can the country build a stronger, more resilient foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.

Author’s Note: Richard Hugh Blackford is a Jamaican fine artist, published author, and social and political commentator based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His work explores the intersections of culture, identity, and justice within the Caribbean experience.