Duane C.E Smith, MP

We cannot afford to allow false narratives about the Government’s handling of hurricane relief funds to go unchallenged, particularly when these claims are made on international platforms. Such statements have consequences beyond our politics. They can damage Jamaica’s reputation, undermine confidence in our institutions and jeopardise the international support we may need when the next disaster strikes. The world has changed, and international assistance increasingly depends on confidence in the strength, integrity and accountability of our systems. I also recognise that these narratives are rooted in a long-standing perception that “nothing is going on” and that government cannot deliver. For too long, this thinking has shaped how Jamaicans engage with government, creating a culture of distrust and short-term expectations that makes it difficult to pursue the long-term policies necessary for meaningful national transformation. Through programmes such as the New Social Housing Programme, we are working to change that perception by demonstrating that government can deliver meaningful, lasting improvements in people’s lives. But we must also acknowledge that delivery takes too long, and we have a responsibility to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and consistently show Jamaicans the progress being made. We must change the way we think about government, what we expect of it and what it can achieve. That requires transparency, results and a willingness to challenge deeply entrenched beliefs. The only way we are going to change is if we change our thinking and change our outlook.

#PressRelease: Prime Minister Says Resilience, Frugality and Transformation Must Guide Decisions on Jamaica’s Recovery

Yesterday, we reopened the Black River Hospital following extensive repairs after Hurricane Melissa. When I visited the day after the hurricane, the roof had been completely destroyed, and health workers were caring for patients amid the damage. In eight months, the Black River Hospital has been rehabilitated, with its bed capacity increased from 150 to 180, a new roof and upgraded operating theatre facilities. I know how important this hospital is to families in St. Elizabeth. Our responsibility is to ensure that, when Jamaicans need medical attention, they can access care in a safe and properly equipped facility. We remain committed to restoring our health services and supporting the people as we continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa.

One year after Hurricane Melissa devastated western Jamaica, we are reopening a critical part of our healthcare system at the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth! The reconstructed male and female surgical wards, paediatric ward and operating theatre facilities represent a significant step forward. The hospital’s bed capacity is increasing from 150 to approximately 180, with improved bathrooms, new nursing stations and piped oxygen throughout the surgical wards. For the people of St. Elizabeth and neighbouring communities, this means greater hospital capacity and improved facilities to support patient care. It is also a tribute to the healthcare workers who continued serving Jamaicans under extremely difficult conditions. Our work is not finished. Further improvements to the maternity ward and administrative facilities remain ahead. We are rebuilding beyond the damage, strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and working to ensure that Jamaicans can access the care they need. From recovery to resurgence, we are rebuilding stronger for the people of Jamaica.

One of the lessons from Hurricane Melissa is the need for a reliable system to identify and verify people receiving recovery assistance. During the initial relief effort, we provided assistance based on humanitarian need. As we move through recovery, we must also ensure that every grant and benefit reaches the person it is intended to help. This is why I am encouraging everyone seeking assistance through the recovery process, including grants under the ROOFS programme, to register under the National Identification System (NIDS). Having a reliable way to verify who is receiving assistance will help us prevent duplication, protect public resources and ensure that support reaches those who need it. We know that every family waiting for assistance wants to be treated fairly, and having a reliable identification system will help us do that.

Olivia’s story is one that touched my heart. Before his passing, Olivia’s father had sought assistance through the New Social Housing Programme because he wanted to secure a safe and stable home for his daughter. Sadly, he did not live to see that dream fulfilled. As I listened to her speak about her father and the love they shared, I was reminded of the responsibility we have to care for our most vulnerable Jamaicans. Through the New Social Housing Programme, we are reaching families facing difficult circumstances and helping to provide the security and dignity that every Jamaican deserves. I know you too will be moved my Olivia’s story which she shares in this video. Olivia, I pray that this home brings you comfort, peace and the strength to keep pursuing your dreams. Your father wanted you to have a safe place to call home, and today, that wish has been fulfilled.

After losing her home to a devastating fire in July 2021, Doreen Palmer faced the painful task of rebuilding her life and finding a place for her family to call home. Through the Government’s New Social Housing Programme, Doreen and her family now have a new place to call home at East Palm Estate. Her story speaks to the importance of providing safe, secure housing for Jamaican families facing difficult circumstances. Congratulations to Doreen and her family on this new chapter. We are happy to see them settled into a safe and secure home as they move ahead with renewed hope.

A community space reclaimed, and a new future taking shape! The East Palms Housing Complex in Kingston Central will become a home for residents, following its redevelopment under the New Social Housing Programme.

For years, many residents of Tivoli Gardens have been waiting to secure full ownership of their homes. We are taking steps to help them move closer to that goal. This afternoon, a total of 221 residents received Certificates of Possession, which will help advance the process of obtaining individual titles for their homes. As part of this effort, all 250 outstanding accounts under the Tivoli Gardens High Rise Housing Programme benefited from the Government’s $150,000 write-off initiative. The accounts have been closed by the Housing Fund, and occupancy audits have been completed for 221 residents. The remaining 29 audits are to be completed. We will continue working to resolve the remaining requirements so that more residents can move towards receiving their individual titles.

A total of 221 Jamaicans received Letters of Possession, providing legal recognition of their right to occupy their land as they continue the process of securing ownership. A Letter of Possession gives you the legal recognition of your right to occupy your property without disturbance. This document establishes your possession and is an important part of the process towards obtaining official titles. I understand what this means for a family. It means having a place to call your own, building a home and creating something that can be passed on to your children. Your Government remains committed to helping more Jamaicans regularise their land and gain the security that comes with having a recognised right to their property.

🚨 FRAUD ALERT, JAMAICA! A fake promotion is circulating on WhatsApp and other platforms, falsely claiming that J$15,000 in cash is being offered to the public for National Heroes’ Day. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Digicel Jamaica and Flow Jamaica are NOT associated with this promotion. ⚠️ Do not click on or share suspicious links.. Verify information through official channels. Report suspicious messages to (876) 578-5705 or [email protected].