Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett on Tuesday officially launched the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme (THARP), an initiative aimed at providing housing support for tourism workers whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

The launch was held at the Pegasus Hotel and was attended by key stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality sector, as well as several workers who are set to benefit from the programme.

Delivering the main address, Bartlett said the initiative was designed to offer immediate relief while creating a pathway to longer-term housing solutions for affected workers.

“In the first instance, the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has allocated $70 million to provide housing vouchers valued at $100,000 each for workers affected by the hurricane. These vouchers are structured in three practical packages that meet workers where they are,” the minister said.

The vouchers are divided into three categories: Package A, which covers roofing and light repairs to quickly secure homes; Package B, which addresses more serious structural damage, including foundation support; and Package C, which focuses on general building and interior repairs to restore full habitability.

Bartlett said that, following consultations with stakeholders islandwide, 100 initial beneficiaries were identified, with 700 tourism workers expected to benefit from the first allocation. He also noted that more than 60 applications have already been received.

Several successful applicants were present at the launch and received vouchers during the ceremony.

The minister stressed that the programme goes beyond vouchers, outlining plans for permanent housing solutions.

“We will construct five block and steel homes for tourism workers in the first instance and then a further 10 for those who have lost everything. These are permanent, dignified homes for the men and women who have built Jamaica’s tourism industry,” Bartlett said.

He explained that THARP forms part of a broader social housing initiative announced in the national budget, for which $500 million has been allocated. Additional block and steel homes will be constructed, and the Tourism Workers Pension Fund will also play a role in supporting affected workers who may not be covered by their employers.

“With the continued private sector support, we expect THARP to expand over time and ultimately to assist up to 20,000 tourism workers across Jamaica,” Bartlett added.

Emphasising the philosophy behind the programme, he said, “This programme is not charity, it is recognition…It is a statement that the people who build Jamaica’s tourism will not be left behind as Jamaica rebuilds.”

Bartlett also highlighted transparency as a key part of THARP, unveiling the online application platform.

“The THARP portal will allow tourism workers to apply online, select the package that best fits their needs, track their application and receive updates in real time,” he said.

Applications are now open at tef.gov.jm. Bartlett explained that the programme is established under the Tourism Workers Pension Policy and applies to workers aged 18 to 59, including those who are permanent, contract or self-employed. He added that individuals in related areas such as craft vending, tour operations and contract carriage are also eligible.

“This programme is not just for hotel workers but will also benefit general workers who are involved in the myriad moving parts that constitute tourism,” he said.

While THARP will cover all parishes, special attention will be given to those most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. The initiative is a joint public-private partnership involving tourism industry stakeholders and the Tourism Enhancement Fund and operates separately from the national housing programme.

Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance. Alyssa Wellington, an employee at Iberostar Hotel and Resort, said her roof was destroyed during the hurricane, making the support critical.

“It’s very helpful,” she said.

Randel Pinnock, a former employee of Royalton Blue Waters, described the relief as timely after suffering significant damage.

“It feels really great to be a beneficiary of the programme because we lost a lot during the hurricane so it’s really good to see that the Government is helping us out,” Pinnock said, noting that his home was flooded, filled with mud and that he lost furniture.

Another Iberostar employee, Nicketa Nish, said she felt “awesome to be a beneficiary of the programme.”

“I’m feeling good because you know you get damage and stuff like that, and then sometimes you don’t know where you’re going to start or where it’s going to come [from]. But this is a big help to move forward and build back strong so I do appreciate it,” she said.

Nish added that her roof was blown off and her house flooded during the storm.

“I just want to say thanks to the tourism minister for taking us on board and letting us be the first of this wonderful programme,” she said.

Successful THARP applicants received their grant for rebuilding on Tuesday.