October 27, 2026

Gov’t to implement further expenditure cuts and redirect additional resources to ROOFS programme for households affected by Hurricane Melissa

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced that the Government will implement further expenditure cuts and redirect additional resources to the ROOFS programme.

This is being done to accelerate the disbursement of grants to households affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The announcement follows the ban on non-essential overseas travel across the public sector until March next year.

The Government said the measure is among the first in a broader series of actions to strengthen expenditure discipline, improve efficiency and accelerate the delivery of national priorities.

In a release yesterday, the Prime Minister disclosed that approximately J$12 billion has already been allocated to the ROOFS programme, with an additional J$2 billion expected to be made available within days.

He said the Government is also identifying areas for expenditure reductions, including official travel, to mobilise further resources for housing recovery.

Speaking during a housing handover ceremony in South St. James, Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the frustration among households that have been assessed for assistance, but have not yet received their grants.

Dr. Holness disclosed that approximately J$20 billion was initially estimated to meet the needs of households assessed as eligible for assistance. To date, grants have been provided to just over 50 per cent of those assessed as having sustained damage, leaving a significant number of households awaiting support.

The Prime Minister assured residents awaiting assistance that the delays were not the result of favouritism or neglect, but reflected the financial constraints associated with funding the recovery programme while maintaining other essential public services.