KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is set to provide $400,000 in housing grants to families affected by Hurricane Beryl. The grants are designed to assist those whose homes were damaged by the storm, with amounts varying based on the extent of the damage.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Parnell Charles Jr., announced the initiative in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. Families whose homes experienced significant damage will receive grants of up to $150,000, while those with minor damage will be eligible for up to $50,000.
Charles Jr. noted that the government is addressing challenges with cheque payments by exploring electronic payment and cash card options to expedite the disbursement of grants and enhance service delivery.
The minister emphasized the importance of a collaborative recovery effort involving various stakeholders. He highlighted that the grants would be supplemented by other initiatives, including donor funds, contributions from the diaspora, the National Commercial Bank Foundation’s ‘Building a Better Jamaica Fund,’ the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and support from Food for the Poor.
Food for the Poor has already replaced 20 roofs in Clarendon and will begin similar efforts in St Elizabeth this Thursday.
Charles Jr. indicated that damage assessments suggest around 8,700 homes across the island will require government assistance for recovery and reconstruction. The majority of these homes have sustained minor damage.
Additionally, the Ministry’s Recovery Grants Program will award $100,000 each to 500 small businesses impacted by the hurricane, totaling $50 million in support. The social intervention program has allocated $30 million to provide $150,000 grants to 200 students in higher education institutions from households severely affected by the hurricane.
