KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The National Housing Trust (NHT) says contributors and mortgagors who remain unsure of how to begin their recovery journey after Hurricane Melissa are being encouraged to connect with the Trust for support. Hurricane Melissa slammed into the country on October 28, killing 42 people and leaving damage estimated at nine billion US dollars.
NHT manager for Customer Relations Management, Shara Luke Cooper, says the organisation recognises the emotional and financial strain many families continue to face, nearly a month after the passage of the powerful Category five hurricane.
“We understand the circumstances, and we want these persons to take some time to breathe, then reach out to us. We can hold their hand through this recovery process,” Mrs. Luke Cooper said.
She told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank that NHT teams are actively visiting communities, making it easier for individuals to engage staff, ask questions, and receive guidance.
The Trust has implemented a comprehensive set of disaster-response measures to assist contributors and mortgagors whose homes or livelihoods have been affected by the recent hurricane.
These include a Hurricane Relief Loan offering up to J$3.5 million (One Jamaican dollar = 0.008 cents) to homeowners, a Special Disaster Grant of up to J$500,000, and a Moratorium on Mortgage Payments for six months.
It said that people who suffered damage can also file peril insurance claims.
Mrs. Luke Cooper also urged individuals to visit the NHT’s website to access application resources and guidance on the disaster relief initiatives. Additionally, Jamaicans can help neighbours and relatives to submit applications if affected persons are unable to do so themselves.
NHT Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dwayne Berbick, said the Trust’s disaster relief initiatives are inclusive and are designed to benefit a wide range of individuals, including current contributors, mortgagors, former mortgagors, and pensioners.
“And if for any reason they’re in a niche area and feel that none of these initiatives are somehow reaching them, [we want them] to reach out to us and let us know the kind of support that we can provide,” Berbick said.
He said that the NHT remains flexible in adjusting its processes and requirements where possible, noting that the organisation is committed to helping Jamaicans recover “and recover well” as the country continues to rebuild in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says J$10 million will be allocated to each of the island’s 63 constituencies to kick-start the national clean-up exercise post-Hurricane Melissa.
He said J$150,000 will also be allocated to each councillor in each constituency.
Holness told Parliament that the allocation is not just routine, seasonal maintenance, but instead “will neatly dovetail into a broader programme of cleaning and debris management” and that additional funding will be provided to the 16 most-affected constituencies.
“Beyond these parishes, other severely affected communities islandwide will also be targeted,” Holness said, noting that his administration is targeting the resources to the areas of greatest need.
He said the programme will employ between 100 and 200 people per constituency in the 16 hard-hit constituencies, and that the Social Development Commission will oversee recruitment, training, and the organisation of work teams.
“We aim to ensure that all workers are properly documented, are supported to open a bank account where needed, and receive basic training in the safe handling and disposal of debris and waste.
“This is part of a wider effort to formalise labour, strengthen social protection, and uphold decent work principles even during an emergency,” he added.
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