Prime Minister Holness Gives Update on Hurricane Relief Fund, J$10 Billion Programme Set to Launch

Jamaica Live News Desk– | Jan 8, 2026

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is moving “quickly and responsibly” to deliver hurricane relief to thousands of families affected by Hurricane Melissa, as preparations near completion for the rollout of a major national restoration programme.

According to the Prime Minister, he has just concluded a detailed coordination meeting with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and the Cabinet Office to finalise the framework for distributing relief and reconstruction grants to households whose homes were damaged.

Holness confirmed that the Government has allocated J$10 billion for the programme, which is expected to benefit tens of thousands of Jamaicans. ODPEM estimates that approximately 90,000 households were affected by the hurricanes, with about 65,000 damage assessments already completed as of this week.

“The programme will be launched next week,” the Prime Minister said, noting that payments are expected to begin in the final week of January, signalling a rapid transition from assessment to direct financial support for affected families.

To ensure speed, transparency, and ease of access, funds will be disbursed primarily through digital channels, including direct bank transfers and debit cards. The Government says this approach will reduce delays, limit administrative bottlenecks, and allow families to begin repairs as quickly as possible.

Holness also issued a reminder to beneficiaries that the grants are intended specifically for repairing and restoring damaged homes, stressing that responsible use of the funds is critical to the national recovery effort.

As Jamaica continues to grapple with increasingly severe weather linked to climate change, the Prime Minister emphasized that the relief programme is part of a broader push to not only rebuild, but to strengthen resilience and help communities recover faster and safer.

The Government says further details on eligibility, payment timelines, and support channels will be released ahead of the official launch next week.