CG United calls in help after Melissa to serve affected policyholders
Published:Friday | November 7, 2025 | 12:08 AMNeville Graham - Business Reporter
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating sweep across Jamaica, CG United Insurance Limited has mobilised a regional disaster recovery team to support its Jamaican operations and assist affected policyholders.
The Category 5 storm, which made landfall with winds of up to 185 miles per hour, has left widespread damage across several parishes, and hundreds of billions in estimated insured losses.
“We brought in seven team members from our Barbados and Trinidad offices, along with loss adjusters from Miami,” said Winsome Gibbs, country manager for CG United Jamaica.
“They’re on the ground with us, visiting parishes, assessing damage, and helping customers begin the claims process,” she said.
The company’s proactive approach has seen teams deployed to St James, Manchester, St Ann, and St Elizabeth, armed not only with assessment tools, but also with humanitarian supplies. “We’re carrying water, hygiene items, and tarpaulins,” Gibbs explained. “Some customers didn’t even have internet, so we brought Starlink to help them reconnect. It’s about restoring lives, not just properties,” she said.
CG United, though relatively new in Jamaica, is no stranger to catastrophe response. With operations in 21 territories and over 60 years of experience in the Caribbean, the company prides itself on being a first responder in times of crisis. “This is what we do,” Gibbs said. “We’ve built our reputation on being there when it matters most.”
The insurer’s readiness is backed by strong financials. According to insurance rating agency AM Best’s October 2025 report, CG United Jamaica posted a non-life combined ratio of 94.76 per cent and maintains a capital surplus of $2.19 billion. Gibbs said the A-rating from AM Best is an indicator of its “ability to absorb shocks like Melissa”.
CG United’s reinsurance strategy also plays a critical role. “We only use A-rated reinsurers,” said Gibbs said. “So we’re confident in our ability to meet claims,” she said.
Melissa’s impact, however, extends beyond insured losses to greater economic fallout, which for public infrastructure could be equivalent to a third of Jamaica’s gross domestic product, according to recent pronouncements by the prime minister.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Gibbs admitted. “This is our country, and seeing the devastation is tough. But we’re confident we’ll help our customers get back on their feet,” she said.
CG United’s customer base spans both residential and commercial sectors, including hotels and mortgage portfolios insured through partnerships with local banks. “It’s right across the board,” Gibbs said. “We’re touching base with everyone, from homeowners to large commercial clients.”
The company’s response has also drawn support from its regional leadership.
“Mark Somerville, our head of business development, and Corey Bradshaw, group operations manager, are coming to Jamaica next week,” Gibbs said. “It’s about showing up and making sure our presence is felt.”