PM Andrew Holness promises to contribute $1 billion to affected families of Hurricane Beryl

Jamaica: The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, promised to offer $1 billion in grants and other aid to the people who have been badly affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl. The money will be used for the purpose of restoring, reconstructing and relocating of the damaged houses.

The announcement was made by the Prime Minister in a statement to Parliament on Tuesday and asserted that a total of 5153 houses had been affected in total so far, out of which 321 houses were destroyed, 2121 were severely damaged, and 2711 were recorded with minor damages.

The Prime Minister asserted that the devastation caused by Beryl left several families without ideal shelter which is based on their estimates to date. Therefore, he stated that his government is working very hard and making stringent efforts in order to ensure that it provides aid and support to those who are highly affected by it.

While shedding light on this initiative, PM Holness stated that it will be channelled through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and not every damaged house will be qualified for grants, restoration, reconstruction, and relocation. He further asserted that such assistance will be done only on the basis of assessment.

Moreover, the Prime Minister also shed light on the assistance being offered to the affected individuals, including Peril insurance for National Housing Trust mortgagors. It is covered under the NHT’s blanket House Owners Comprehensive Policy, including coverages for the damages caused by fire, hurricanes, storms, and many more. Along with that, a moratorium will also be offered to NHT mortgagors as well and the NHT will facilitate special home improvement loans for NHT mortgagors in order to assist in roof and home repair to improve disaster resilience.

The NHT contributors who sustained damage to their homes in the wake of Hurricane Beryl will also be provided with special grant. This grant will be available subject to the need and level of impact caused.