PM Holness Warns of Sanctions for Misuse of Hurricane Melissa Housing Grants

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has cautioned that recipients of housing assistance distributed after Hurricane Melissa will face penalties if the funds are diverted from their intended purpose.

The warning was delivered on Tuesday during the official launch of the Chester Creek housing development in Portmore, St Catherine.

More than $5 billion has already been allocated through the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme, an initiative introduced in January to support homeowners whose properties were damaged by the storm. The programme primarily targets roof repairs and essential home restoration.

Grant allocations range between $75,000 and $500,000, with sums determined by the severity of structural damage.

Dr Holness stressed that any abuse of the welfare-based support system could result in individuals later seeking further government aid, increasing pressure on national resources.

He also indicated that Jamaica’s disaster response is entering a new stage, moving beyond reconstruction and into recovery. The Prime Minister said this shift is being aided by the near completion of utility restoration efforts and inflation levels that have remained below earlier projections.

According to Dr Holness, the reconstruction phase prioritizes sustained investment in housing, education facilities, and public infrastructure, with an emphasis on ensuring that all new and restored structures meet climate-resilient standards.