11/03/2025
Yes, the Jamaica government has a hurricane grant program to assist homeowners who have suffered damage to their properties. The government has allocated over $1 billion to provide grants and assistance for restoration, reconstruction, and relocation efforts.
*Grant Amounts:*
- *Minor Damage*: Up to $50,000 for homes with minor damage
- *Severe Damage*: Up to $150,000 for homes with severe damage
- *Total Destruction*: Up to $400,000 for homes that are completely destroyed
*Eligibility Criteria:*
- Homeowners must have suffered damage to their properties due to the hurricane
- The damage assessment will determine the level of grant assistance
- Applicants must provide necessary documentation, including proof of ownership and damage assessment reports
*How to Apply:*
- Contact the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or visit their website for more information
- Submit an application and supporting documents, including photographs of property damage and proof of reduced income or unemployment¹
Additionally, the National Housing Trust (NHT) has introduced a special mortgage moratorium to assist contributors and mortgagors impacted by natural disasters. The NHT also offers a Home Improvement loan to assist with roof and home repairs, with up to JMD 1.5 million per collateral.² Routes that have been cleared
*Location 01: Hanover*
- **Unity Hall → Sandy Bay → Hopewell → Lucea Bridge:* Mostly single-lane traffic (primarily fallen trees, minimal power lines). Passable for cars and trucks with caution.
- *Middlesex → Dias → Kingsvale → Grange Hill:* *Impassable* for cars (blocked by debris/landslides).
- *Green Island → Kendal → Glasgow → Grange Hill:* *Impassable** (blocked).
- *Green Island → Negril Main Road:* *Clear* for cars and trucks.
*Location 02: Westmoreland*
- **Negril → Sheffield → New Hope → Little London:* Single-lane traffic (heavy debris, power lines, trees). *Significant delays*.
- **Little London → Manning’s High School:* Mostly flooded with scattered power lines; single-lane traffic.
- *Sav-la-Mar Town Center → Frome → Grange Hill:* **Drivable** (clear for vehicles).
- *Sav-la-Mar → Paradise → Whithorn:* Single-lane in sections (downed power lines).
- *Whithorn → Darliston:* Single-lane with power lines, trees, and landslides; *slow traffic*.
- **Darliston → Bethel Town → Chester Castle:** *Impassable* for cars and trucks.
- *Whithorn → Maxfield → Chester Castle → Anchovy → Long Hill → Montego Bay:*Drivable* (minor power lines/trees); some slow-moving sections between communities.
*Summary of Viable Routes:*
1. *Green Island Negril Main Road* (clear).
2. **Sav-la-Mar → Frome → Grange Hill** (drivable).
3. **Whithorn → Montego Bay via Chester Castle/Anchovy** (drivable with minor delays).
