‘Reopen, even if it’s not perfect’
MoBay chamber president urges businesses to resume operations
Published:Tuesday | November 11, 2025 | 12:08 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
There aren’t enough vendors to serve the crowds of foodies who still converge nightly on the Fort Street jerk chicken strip, as Montego Bay slowly claws its way back to normality after Hurricane Melissa’s destruction.
Fort Street now joins the likes of Pier One, Smokeez by the Sea, The Pelican Grill, Snappaz, and Scotchies, local staples that have begun reopening their doors, heeding the call of Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) President Jason Russell.
“It doesn’t have to be a perfect situation, but try to get those doors back open,” urged Russell, who also operates the iconic Pier One on the Waterfront, during a heartfelt social media message to the city.
“The restoration of commerce, where we get our employees back to work, is one of the most important first steps to recovery. We must get the businesses open ... . We have to demonstrate both confidence and resilience,” Russell said.
He acknowledged that the city is still reeling from Melissa’s Category 5 impact, but said that his focus – and the MBCCI’s – is firmly on recovery.
Filming his message under a single surviving palm tree at Pier One, he used the Caribbean Sea behind him as a symbol of hope and rebirth.
“We see the destruction; everybody’s showing it. Montego Bay is reeling from Melissa, hardly. But I can’t dwell on the destruction, I want to dwell on the recovery,” he said. “The sea is still beautiful, and that brings hope. Recovery is going to be hard, but we’re working together. Just because you don’t see people running up and down doesn’t mean they aren’t doing something to help.”
The MBCCI president urged business operators to support each other and reopen on a phased basis, emphasising that every shop, restaurant, and office that restarts operations contributes to the wider restoration of livelihoods.
“Support your business. Support Montego Bay businesses. Go out and try [to] open your place,” he appealed. “We need to get the staff back to work. No matter what kind of business you’re in, don’t let this cripple you. We’ve lost roofs, cars, pets, even family members, but there’s still a lot of hope. Only by opening businesses and getting commerce going again will we recover.”
Russell said Pier One would lead by example, offering kerbside service and a limited menu as it rebuilds.
“You can come and pick up food. It’s going to be a small, set menu – maybe even a cold beer,” he explained. “It might help you on a hot day after washing out your house. But the point is, don’t let it hold you down.”
His call to action struck a chord with several local restaurateurs, including Lowell Spence, operator of Smokeez by the Sea, whose dining deck was swallowed by waves days before he reopened in his parking lot.
“We are a resilient people. There is no way I am going to sit back and allow my business to go with the storm,” Spence said. “Physically, part of our building is gone, but the kitchen remains standing ,and that’s where we continue to prepare the best escoveitch fish and bammy in town.”
For Russell, that determination embodies the spirit he wants Montego Bay to project to the world. “Let’s lift and rise,” he concluded in his video. “There can only be one Montego Bay and we will rebuild her together.”