Bank of Jamaica logs a 4.2% remittance rise as diaspora dollars rebuild post-Melissa homes

Remittance inflows to Jamaica rose 4.2% in the first two months of 2026 to US$542 million, with February the strongest month since 2022, according to the Bank of Jamaica. Recipients and money-transfer operators tie part of the lift to families abroad sending funds to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Melissa. Remittances remain Jamaica’s second-largest source of foreign inflows after tourism, so the rebound matters for the exchange rate as much as for households. Senders should note that channel fees and rates still vary widely, and comparing operators can materially change how much reaches relatives.

Source: Caribbean Life, citing Bank of Jamaica figures.