Senate passes NHT amendment to continue $11.4b annual transfers

The Senate on Friday, June 5, 2026, passed the National Housing Trust Amendment (Special Provisions) Act, clearing the way for annual transfers of up to $11.4 billion from the NHT to central government for five fiscal years ending March 31, 2031.

Leader of Government Business Kamina Johnson Smith said the measure was needed to support the national budget in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, while avoiding new taxes or cuts to programmes. She argued that the NHT remained financially sound and that Jamaica’s housing shortage was being driven more by serviced land, approvals, infrastructure, labour and construction constraints than by a lack of cash.

Government senators defended the bill as a continuation of a revenue measure used by successive administrations, saying the trust could still expand mortgages, subsidies and housing projects while assisting wider fiscal recovery. They also cited NHT relief for homeowners affected by Hurricane Melissa, including mortgage moratoriums, grants, modular housing purchases and insurance processing.

Opposition senators rejected the extension, describing the withdrawals as a diversion of contributors’ money from the trust’s core housing mission. Senator Floyd Morris proposed limiting the measure to two years and directing the funds specifically to houses for Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa in the hardest-hit parishes. That amendment was defeated.

Opposition speakers said thousands of households still needed urgent help after the hurricane and argued that NHT funds should be focused on affordable housing, repairs and lower borrowing costs for contributors. Government speakers countered that replacing the transfers would require heavier taxes, more borrowing or reduced public services.

The bill was read a second and third time and passed without amendment. Earlier in the sitting, the Senate paid tribute to retired Justice Ian Forte and noted reports and papers tabled from several public bodies and oversight agencies.