Jamaica outlines NHT transfer, hurricane financing and farm recovery measures

The Government used its May 20, 2026 update to outline several national measures tied to Hurricane Melissa recovery, public financing, agriculture and environmental protection.

Parliament on Tuesday approved amendments to the National Housing Trust Act to continue an annual $11.4-billion special transfer from the NHT to central government for five years, ending in 2031. Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams said the measure responds to the fiscal strain caused by Hurricane Melissa, whose damage was put at US$12.2 billion, or about 56.7 per cent of gross domestic product. She said the NHT is expected to remain profitable, with assets exceeding liabilities by about 1.8 times over the medium term. The bill is to go to the Senate.

Jamaica has also secured new disaster coverage worth about J$31 billion, or US$200 million, ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The World Bank said the new catastrophe bond replaces a US$150-million instrument triggered after Melissa and gives the country hurricane protection through 2030. The bond is to be listed on the Singapore Exchange and was arranged by Aon Securities and Swiss Re Capital Markets.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said phase two of the ROOFS shelter-roof assistance programme will use direct deposits for verified beneficiaries. More than 115,000 people were assessed in phase one, 43,000 were verified, and more than 80 per cent redeemed benefits. He also announced a national verification drive and said qualified PATH applicants will begin receiving temporary payments once cleared by the Beneficiary Management Information System.

Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said $250 million has been set aside for a second phase of Hurricane Melissa farm recovery, including support for livestock, yam and coffee farmers. The ministry will distribute 5,000 backyard gardening kits, restore fruit trees, continue citrus revitalisation and pursue a national agricultural development plan with support from the FAO.

Environmental officials also warned that the invasive Cuban tree frog, first reported in Clarendon in 2017, threatens native wildlife and beekeeping. NEPA urged Jamaicans to report sightings, avoid harmful chemicals, and take care not to destroy Jamaica’s endemic frog species while assisting control efforts.