Government Dismisses Claims That NSHP Homes Are Not Owned by Beneficiaries

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has strongly condemned what he calls “mischievous and malicious” misinformation targeting his administration’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). Holness dismissed recent claims circulating on social media suggesting that beneficiaries’ relatives would be unable to inherit the homes upon their passing, with ownership instead reverting to the government.

Speaking at the handing over of a social housing unit in Porters Mountain, Westmoreland, on Friday, Holness described the viral post as “despicable” and accused its creators of attempting to undermine a programme designed to uplift vulnerable Jamaicans.

Political Attacks and Misinformation

According to Holness, the attacks on the NSHP are part of a broader political effort to discredit government initiatives.

“They are trying to tear down this programme for political gain,” Holness asserted. “Even people who are well-read and educated, but blinded by bias, accepted the misinformation without verifying it.”

The Prime Minister warned that such falsehoods erode trust in governance and mislead the public. He emphasized that the NSHP was structured to provide legitimate homeownership, unlike previous initiatives, such as the 1994 People’s National Party-led Operation Pride, which he labeled an “unmitigated disaster” plagued by corruption and poor planning.

Challenges with the NSHP

Despite Holness’s defense of the programme, some beneficiaries have raised concerns about project delays. Reports indicate that disputes with contractors have stalled several housing units. Others claim they are barred from moving in until an official ribbon-cutting ceremony is conducted by the Prime Minister.

Additionally, a recent Auditor General’s report questioned whether the NSHP overlaps with other government housing initiatives, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation.

Government Responds to Ownership Claims

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) has rejected claims that NSHP homes are not fully owned by beneficiaries.

In a statement released earlier this week, the ministry clarified that all recipients either own the land, hold a long-term lease, or have legal permission to reside on the property.

“Contrary to the misinformation circulating, the housing units provided under the NSHP are fully owned by the beneficiaries, not the Government of Jamaica,” the statement read.

Holness urged Jamaicans to be vigilant against misinformation and to carefully evaluate the credibility of information before accepting it as fact.

“Do not allow the evil people to win the battle for the mind,” he warned.