KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has allocated $10 billion to provide relief, reconstruction and restoration grants to individuals whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025, causing significant damage to several houses in the western region of Jamaica.

In a post on his X account, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the Government is “moving quickly and responsibly to deliver hurricane restoration to affected families” following a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Security and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Noting ODPEM estimates, which suggest that approximately 90,000 households were affected by the hurricane, with about 65,000 damage assessments already completed, Holness described the allocation as significant, noting the constraints of the national budget.

“Our budget and our fiscal situation would have allowed us to make an allocation of $10 billion,” Holness said in a video.

He acknowledged that while many Jamaicans, particularly in the hardest-hit areas, are anticipating the assistance, the grants may not fully restore every home.

“For some, yes, but for others it will be a partial assistance,” he said, encouraging residents to also use their own resources where possible.

Holness further emphasised that the programme is complex, as it must balance urgency and compassion with accountability and legal requirements.

The prime minister also urged beneficiaries to use the funds strictly for their intended purpose.

The programme is expected to be launched next week by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, with payments projected to begin in the final week of January. Funds will be disbursed primarily through digital channels, including bank accounts and debit cards, to ensure speed and convenience.