Guyana to Build More Than 300 Homes in Jamaica Under Hurricane Recovery Programme

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana will begin the second phase of its support for Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa with the construction of more than 300 homes, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced.

Ali made the announcement during the opening of the International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium, with Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness in attendance.

“Our promised second phase of support in your recovery programme will be delivered. We are known for keeping our promises,” Ali said.

He said the initiative would draw on Guyana’s construction sector, banks, builders and suppliers of construction materials.

“Let us start with Jamaica in building that 300-plus homes,” he said.

Ali said the two governments had also discussed cooperation in energy, culture and sport, including arrangements for athletes to train in both countries and collaboration on a cricket academy. He said the discussions laid the foundation for stronger ties between the governments, private sectors and people of both countries.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025, damaging or destroying homes, hospitals, power stations and government buildings. Guyana responded by sending generators, tarpaulins and chainsaws during the initial relief phase, followed by shipments of food, building materials and water tanks.

In November, Ali visited communities affected by the hurricane alongside other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and committed the Guyana Defence Force to a joint regional mission to help restore shelter before Christmas. Guyanese engineering troops have since been working with the Jamaica Defence Force on reconstruction efforts.

Holness, who is on a two-day visit to Guyana, also addressed the opening of the expo, describing Guyana’s development as “fantastic”.

“The development can only be described as fantastic. As Guyana marks 60 years of independence, this expo provides an opportunity to recognise the country’s remarkable progress and to consider the decisions that will shape its development for decades to come,” he said.

Holness also praised Guyana’s housing programme, saying it extends beyond the construction of houses to include supporting infrastructure.

“Your housing programme has involved not just houses, but serviced land, roads, drainage, water, electricity and above all, from what I have seen and heard, you are investing in building communities,” he said.

The Jamaican prime minister also identified opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries in housing construction, workforce development and new building technologies.

“I believe there are opportunities for Jamaica and Guyana to collaborate in the housing development sphere, particularly as it relates to labour and the deployment of new technologies in construction,” he said.

Holness thanked Guyana for its assistance following Hurricane Melissa and congratulated the country as it celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence.