KINGSTON, Jamaica — The first set of modular homes being procured by the Government to address housing issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa should arrive on the island next month, says Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dana Morris Dixon.

“Those homes are expected in the country by the end of February. You would have heard of the NHT (National Housing Trust) ones, and also some from the ministry responsible for housing… those are in train… and those modular units are on their way,” she noted.

The minister gave the update during a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, in Kingston, on Wednesday.

The deployment of modular housing solutions is one of six initiatives being implemented by the Government, under the umbrella of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP).

Through the initiative, the NHT is expected to procure a total of 5,000 modular homes for distribution to address urgent housing needs following Hurricane Melissa.

Another aspect of the SRP focuses on government‑led repair efforts, being undertaken by members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), in collaboration with external international teams.

Morris Dixon noted that this work continues in the parishes most impacted during the October 2025 hurricane, with the support of personnel from Guyana, Ghana and other partner nations.

“In addition to that, we have a programme under the HEART/NSTA Trust, which is the BRIDGE (Building Resilience and Inspiring Development through Guided Experience) programme, where we’re taking young people from those areas that have seen the most damage and who are unemployed… we’re taking them in, doing short programmes with them, in terms of construction and other attendant areas, and we will then have them work with the JDF soldiers and with those visiting teams,” she informed.

The minister explained that through the BRIDGE programme, young people will acquire skills, be able to practise those skills in real-world settings and be exposed to international best practices.

“So, we’re not just building back the homes; we’re also using it as an opportunity for young people to really feel like they’re a part of this… and also giving them a chance to have a trade, because that’s going to definitely set their lives on a different trajectory,” Senator Morris Dixon added.

– JIS