Holness Adds $9.65 Billion to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Roof-Recovery Programme

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said his government will provide full transparency on how about $1.7 billion in Hurricane Melissa donations is being spent, defending the use of the funds for shelter repairs and temporary housing. He said nearly 600 roofs have been restored and about 50 semi-permanent units are being deployed. He also highlighted a new US$2.45 million weather radar, which officials say will strengthen Jamaica’s early warning system.

State Minister Abka Fitz-Henley has rejected entertainer Beenie Man’s claim that Hurricane Melissa relief funds are not reaching affected Jamaicans, calling it false and irresponsible. He said about J$85 billion has been spent or committed on recovery, including roof repairs, modular housing bases, road and water restoration, schools, and medical facilities.

Jamaica’s government has added $9.65 billion to the ROOFS programme to help families still waiting for hurricane assistance, with a target to reach 90% of assessed households by December and finish the rest by January. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said more than 118,000 households have been assessed, about half have been paid, and the programme is under scrutiny as officials verify claims and track donated recovery funds.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced cuts to public sector travel, spending and vehicle purchases to help fund Hurricane Melissa recovery without new borrowing. He said the Government must find the $9.65 billion for roof grants within the budget, and may seek another temporary suspension of fiscal rules as reconstruction costs continue.

Beenie Man has criticised the Government’s handling of Hurricane Melissa relief funds, saying donations have not reached the people who need them and calling for Jamaicans to demand accountability. In an ITV News interview, he also warned that restricted beach access and coastal development could threaten livelihoods, citing Hellshire Beach as especially important to local residents and vendors.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government will spend an additional $9.65 billion to finish roof repair payments under the ROOFS programme, bringing total spending since Hurricane Melissa to $21.65 billion. He said authorities aim to complete assessments and payments for 90 per cent of affected households by the end of December, as questions grow over the pace of recovery.