Prime Minister Links Family Violence to Rising Homelessness During NSHP House Handover

“Every one of us must start to take personal responsibility for the level of violence within our families, within our communities, within our social institutions, and indeed within our parish and our country.”
– Prime Minister Holness
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Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has called urgent attention to the destructive effects of violence, particularly within families. Dr. Holness was speaking on Friday (January 10) in St. Mary during the handover of a new home to Ms. Clover Harris, who is a beneficiary of the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). Ms. Harris, a survivor of domestic abuse, was forced to flee her home, highlighting the urgent need for societal action to address the far-reaching consequences of violence.
“The story that Clover, Miss Faye, expressed to us today is something that the entire country ought to pay attention to. Domestic violence, violence within the family, is separating households, dislodging people from their housing, and creating, in effect, a homeless crisis,” said Prime Minister Holness.
Prime Minister Holness emphasized that violence not only causes physical harm but also has deep emotional and intergenerational effects. The Prime Minister underscored the connection between domestic violence and homelessness, noting that families are often torn apart by intimate partner violence, disputes, and even arson.
“You would have heard it in Clover’s voice, the great emotional pain that she has gone through. And the problem is that, like poverty, emotional pain is transmitted intergenerationally. The families don’t forget, and it lasts for generations and generations,” Dr. Holness remarked.
While the government has made significant strides in addressing housing needs through the NSHP, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that systemic solutions to violence require collective responsibility. The Prime Minister called on all Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for reducing violence within their families and communities.
“Every one of us must start to take personal responsibility for the level of violence within our families, within our communities, within our social institutions, and indeed within our parish and our country. The impact of violence isn’t just the physical hurt that people may feel, but it causes great emotional distress,” Prime Minister Holness said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Holness also commended the citizens and local police of St. Mary for their efforts in reducing violent crimes, particularly murders, which are down by 40% in the parish.
The house handed over to Ms. Harris symbolizes more than just shelter. It represents hope and a pathway to peace, reconciliation, and family restoration. Prime Minister Holness expressed hope that this home would help Ms. Harris find healing and possibly rebuild relationships.
More than 300 houses have already been constructed or delivered under the NSHP. The aim is to provide 6,000 units to address the most severe housing needs across Jamaica. This initiative, Dr. Holness noted, is not just about housing but about rebuilding families and fostering peaceful living environments.
The Prime Minister urged all Jamaicans to recognize the profound impacts of violence and work collaboratively to break its cycle.