Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl on Jamaica in July 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, launched the Beryl Cash Assistance Programme to support households whose homes were damaged or destroyed. The programme reached over 14,000 individuals across three rounds of cash transfers, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as families with children, elderly people and people with disabilities.
Cash transfers were delivered via Western Union, with values adjusted by household size. Redemption rates were consistently high, reaching 97 percent – reflecting strong outreach and adaptive implementation. A robust Community Feedback Mechanism ensured transparency and responsiveness, handling over 12,000 calls and resolving all cases requiring action.
Post-distribution monitoring showed 97 percent beneficiary satisfaction, with funds primarily used for housing repairs, food and essential expenses. The flexibility of cash enabled people to prioritize what mattered most during the difficult period after the disaster, helping restore a sense of autonomy and dignity in the recovery process.
Key lessons include the importance of flexible programme design, digital data management, strong government partnerships and multi-channel communication. The experience offers a model for future shock-responsive social protection in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, emphasizing accountability, adaptability and community-centred delivery.