Andrew Holness|May 26, 2026 01:21
Not everything that appears urgent is wise, and not everything that is wise appears immediately.
Many Jamaicans have asked questions about the hurricane recovery donations, and I understand the concern. I believe it is important to explain clearly how the funds are being used and why careful decisions were made after Hurricane Melissa.
The Government of Jamaica is projected to spend approximately J$67 billion on hurricane relief and recovery efforts. The cash donations received amounted to J$1.4 billion. From the beginning, we decided that these donated funds would be used in a way that is tangible, traceable, accountable, and impactful.
That is why the funds are being directed towards things Jamaicans can see and benefit from directly, including roofing repairs, building materials, and support for modular housing solutions for families who lost their homes.
So far, nearly 50,000 Jamaicans have received support through the roofs programme. Hundreds of roofs have already been restored with the support of the JDF and international partners. Schools, hospitals, clinics, roads, and public infrastructure continue to be repaired across the country. Emergency restoration of electricity and water was completed in record time through strategic support and planning.
We also received valuable assistance from regional and international partners, including support from Guyana, Rwanda, Ghana, and humanitarian organizations who helped us strengthen recovery efforts on the ground.
The donated funds are now also being used to support the installation of modular housing units for families whose homes were completely destroyed. These units require proper foundations, sewage arrangements, transportation, and infrastructure to ensure families can live safely and with dignity.
I encourage every Jamaican to think deeply, seek facts, and look at the full picture as we continue rebuilding stronger together.(Andrew Holness)
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