Holness Praises NHT Claim Payments After Hurricane Melissa

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has applauded the National Housing Trust (NHT) for moving swiftly on insurance settlements linked to Hurricane Melissa, while calling on private insurance companies to shorten the wait for their own clients.

Dr. Holness made the remarks on June 4 during a handover ceremony in Malvern, St. Elizabeth, where 27 serviced lots were presented to beneficiaries. He pointed to the NHT’s response as an example of how institutions can help the country recover more effectively after a major disaster.

According to the Prime Minister, the agency’s handling of claims shows that it understands the realities facing its contributors, especially families whose homes and routines were badly affected by the storm.

“I want to commend the NHT for being quick in making the insurance payments, and I want to challenge the private insurers to speed up the payments on the claims. That is an important part of the recovery from Hurricane Melissa,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness said faster settlements help households move from damage assessment to actual recovery, allowing repairs, rebuilding and income stability to come sooner for people still dealing with Melissa’s effects.

He reported that the NHT has dealt with 3,835 Melissa-related claims, with possible payouts amounting to about $7 billion. Because deductibles and policy conditions apply, not all of that sum is expected to be paid out, but approximately $2.85 billion has already gone to claimants.

“Effectively, they (NHT) have paid out almost half of the insurance claims. Insurance claims aren’t processed that quickly but the NHT has done a very good job, and I want to point that out to the country,” Dr. Holness said.

The St. Elizabeth event also highlighted the Government’s work to provide practical support to residents rebuilding after the hurricane, while setting a clear standard for private insurers to match the pace shown by the public-sector agency.

“Access to land is one of the first steps towards homeownership, and I am pleased to see more Jamaican families moving closer to that goal. These lots are equipped with essential infrastructure, including paved roads, drainage systems, streetlights, and electrical services to support future development. Congratulations to all the beneficiaries as they begin this important new chapter,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness said timely payments, once handled responsibly, can make a major difference in helping communities regain stability and in getting the economy moving again after natural disasters.

He added that when insurance funds reach families quickly, they are better able to leave temporary living arrangements and take care of essential needs during the most urgent stage of recovery.

With the national rebuilding effort still under way, the Prime Minister said the Government intends to keep pressing ahead, adding that recovery will depend on both fairness and speed from all organisations involved in disaster response.