Government Allocates Additional $315 Million to Repair Roofs for Jamaica’s Most Vulnerable Households

“It is essential that we focus on the most vulnerable, particularly those who cannot afford to repair their homes themselves. Together, we can help to strengthen our communities, protect our citizens, and ensure that our nation is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the next hurricane season.”
-Prime Minister Holness
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Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has announced an additional allocation of $315 million to assist the most vulnerable households across the island in repairing roofs damaged by heavy rainfall.
This initiative, which will provide $5 million per constituency, is aimed at enhancing the resilience of Jamaican homes ahead of future weather events.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (January 28), Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of infrastructure resilience, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and subsequent heavy rainfall between July and December of last year.
“As we all know, roofs are oftentimes the first point of failure during a storm, and the damage they incur can render families homeless or in dire conditions. The experience of Hurricane Beryl has served as a harsh reminder of climate change and the importance of resilience in our infrastructure,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Dr. Holness noted that while almost 14,000 Hurricane Beryl recovery grants have already been distributed, there remains a significant number of households impacted by ongoing weather challenges.
The new grant seeks to address these additional cases, ensuring that those most in need receive support.
Under this initiative, Members of Parliament (MPs) will have discretion in identifying beneficiaries, with grants ranging between $70,000 and $100,000.
The funds will facilitate critical repairs, including roofing, windows, and side boardings, helping families better withstand future storms.
Prime Minister Holness stressed that individuals who have already benefited from the Hurricane Beryl Relief Grant will not be eligible for this additional assistance.
To streamline the programme and minimize delays, the government has mapped all registered hardware stores across Jamaica. The move, led by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation through the National Spatial Data Management Branch, will ensure that material can be sourced efficiently and cost-effectively.
Additionally, the government will leverage the assessment staff from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the Urban Renewal Programme, and other units within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to expedite the assessment and approval of beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister said this approach should ensure efficiency and allow for the timely disbursement of funds ahead of the next hurricane season.
“We wouldn’t want to be in the next hurricane season and still not have the grants distributed. So we have to find expedited processes while keeping in compliance with the necessary rules that are in place regarding how these grants are distributed,” the Prime Minister stated.
Dr. Holness called on all MPs to work closely with their constituents to ensure those most in need receive assistance.
“It is essential that we focus on the most vulnerable, particularly those who cannot afford to repair their homes themselves. Together, we can help to strengthen our communities, protect our citizens, and ensure that our nation is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the next hurricane season,” urged Dr. Holness.
This initiative underscores the government’s continued commitment to resilience and preparedness, ensuring that Jamaican families can recover from natural disasters and build stronger, more secure homes for the future.