KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) is to begin operations on November 1 after signing a five-year lease for its new headquarters at the Digicel Building, at 14 Ocean Boulevard, downtown Kingston.

In a press release on Monday, NaRRA revealed that the lease came with a valuation of US$26.00 per square foot for a total annual cost of US$725,972.

Citing the building’s design, which it says is constructed to withstand multiple environmental hazards and incorporates structural and engineering features intended to support resilience, the agency said these features align with NaRRA’s operational requirements, particularly its mandate to maintain business continuity and critical functions during disasters and national emergencies.

NaRRA was established following the 2025 passage of Hurricane Melissa to fast-track rebuilding and oversee infrastructure resilience long-term.

“Resilience must be reflected in NaRRA’s operations. Our facilities must support safe working conditions, reliable communication and the continuity of critical functions during emergencies,” said Chief Executive Officer of NaRRA Ambassador Antony Anderson.

“Seismic resilience and robust backup systems are essential considerations for an entity focused on national reconstruction. Our new headquarters provides the infrastructure required to support that mandate,” he added.

NaRRA said the selection process included a detailed valuation by the National Land Agency (NLA) assessing the proposed cost against current market value, and what other government agencies currently pay to acquire office space and determined that the expenditure was in keeping with existing standards and market rates.

The authority says the new headquarters forms part of NaRRA’s ongoing development as it builds the institutional capacity and systems required to execute its mandate.

It noted that recruitment for positions within the authority is proceeding on schedule and said the new headquarters will provide a centralised base from which NaRRA can coordinate these efforts and advance its work to support long-term national resilience and sustainable economic growth.