NHT hands over 27 serviced lots at Malvern housing development in St Elizabeth

The National Housing Trust has handed over 27 serviced lots at the Malvern Housing Development in St Elizabeth, giving new landowners their letters of possession as they prepare to build homes in the cool hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The ceremony, held as the NHT marks its 50th anniversary under the theme “building communities, housing generations”, was attended by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and Member of Parliament for South Eastern St Elizabeth Franklin Witter, Member of Parliament for North Western St Elizabeth Andrew Morris, Mayor of Black River Councillor Richard Solomon, NHT chairman Lynville Freeman, managing director Martin Miller and other stakeholders.

Master of ceremonies Dwayne Berbick noted that the handover had first been planned for October last year, but was postponed when Hurricane Melissa threatened and affected Jamaica, including St Elizabeth. He said the delay had sharpened the message that future homes must be built safely, smartly and sustainably.

Freeman said the 27 lots represented more than a land transfer, describing them as a chance for families to secure opportunity, stability and possibility. He said the beneficiaries received 100 per cent financing for the lots and would also be able to seek further NHT support to construct their houses at low interest rates.

The chairman said the trust’s wider work includes mortgages at zero per cent interest for lower-income contributors, more support for young adults and vulnerable groups, higher loan limits and greater flexibility for contributors seeking housing solutions. He also pointed to NHT investments in St Elizabeth beyond housing, including work linked to the scheme upgrade programme, the reconstruction of the Lacovia Police Station and improvements at the St Elizabeth Infirmary.

Freeman said the Malvern event was the NHT’s fourth since the start of its financial year on April 1. He said the agency had already broken ground for about 1,100 units and, including the Malvern handover, had presented certificates for more than 60 lots.

Witter welcomed the development, saying Malvern’s climate and community made it well suited for further housing investment. He urged the NHT and the prime minister to continue looking to Malvern and wider South East St Elizabeth for future projects.

The programme also featured students from Hampton School, including the Blueprint Steel Band, described as a 2026 JCDC gold medal group, and the school choir, which placed third in the 2026 All Together Sing competition.