Guyana to build more than 300 homes in Jamaica under second phase of recovery support

Guyana will deliver a second phase of support for Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, beginning with the construction of more than 300 homes, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Thursday.

He made the announcement in his feature address to mark the opening of the International Building Expo held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

With Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness in attendance, President Ali said Guyana would honour the commitment it made in the aftermath of the storm.

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

He said the housing pledge would draw on Guyana’s own construction sector, its banks, builders, and material suppliers, and urged that work begin in Jamaica.

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

President Ali said the two governments had also discussed cooperation in energy, culture, and sport, including arrangements for athletes to train across both countries and collaboration on a cricket academy. He described the engagements as the foundation for stronger ties at the level of government, the private sector, and citizens of both nations

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025 as the most powerful storm in the island’s recorded history, damaging or destroying homes, hospitals, power stations, and government buildings. Guyana was among the first CARICOM states to respond, sending generators, tarpaulins, and chainsaws in the initial relief phase, followed by shipments of food, building materials, and water tanks.

In November, President Ali toured storm-battered communities in western Jamaica alongside other CARICOM leaders and committed the Guyana Defence Force to a joint regional mission to restore shelter before Christmas. Guyanese engineering troops have since been working with the Jamaica Defence Force on the rebuilding effort.

Prime Minister Holness is on a two-day visit to Guyana, during which he is also holding talks with President Ali on bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture and energy.

The Building Expo, running from June 25 to 28 at the Guyana National Stadium under the theme “Guyana at 60: Building Strong Foundations for a Sustainable Future,” coincides with Guyana’s 60th anniversary of independence. [DPI]