By Jamaica Homes News Desk | October 25, 2024
St. James, Jamaica — The landscape of western Jamaica is set to transform dramatically over the coming years as the National Housing Trust (NHT) rolls out 3,531 new housing solutions across the parish of St. James. This announcement was made by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Andrew Holness, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the recently completed Union Acres development in Irwin, where 50 families received the keys to their new homes.
The Union Acres project, a collaborative effort between the NHT, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, and the Jamaica Civil Service Association, comprises a total of 144 housing units. Speaking at the handover event, Prime Minister Holness underscored that this project marks just the beginning of a wider regional strategy aimed at tackling the housing deficit.
“In Canterbury, we have 86 units under the Community Renewal Programme. [Work begins] in February 2025, and they will be ready in August 2026. In Comfort, again, 180 units under the Community Renewal Programme starts June 2025 and will be ready in August 2026,” he explained.
The Prime Minister outlined several key developments underway or soon to commence across St. James:
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Estuary Phase Two: 936 units; completion scheduled for March 2026.
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Adelphi: 217 units under the Guaranteed Purchase Programme (GPP); starts April 2025, completion by September 2028.
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Brookside Estates in Spot Valley: 403 units under the GPP; set to begin December 2024, wrapping up September 2026.
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Barrett Hall: 1,565 units under the Developers Programme; start date March 2025, projected completion by February 2029.
When combined with other developments, the NHT expects to deliver 9,837 units in western Jamaica, and 43,000 islandwide. However, the Prime Minister was quick to point out the broader need.
“Approximately 150,000 housing solutions are required over the next five to 10 years to truly address the national shortage,” he said. “The rest of it must be built by private developers and the open market, but this is not to say that the NHT will not play a role... the role that the NHT plays is to make sure that you have access to affordable mortgages.”
As part of its affordability mandate, the NHT is continuing to offer a range of innovative support options, including intergenerational mortgages, home grants of up to $3.5 million for low-income applicants, and a deferred mortgage programme designed to ease upfront costs.
Beyond home construction, the NHT is contributing significantly to infrastructure in St. James. According to Dr. Holness, the Trust has:
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Invested $38 million into the completion of the St. James Infirmary.
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Allocated $200 million for the construction of the Anchovy Police Station.
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Committed $323.6 million to upgrade existing housing schemes including Farm Heights, Pitfour, Vaughnsfield, Bullocks Heights, Richmond Hill, and West Green.
The atmosphere at Union Acres was both festive and emotional. Among the beneficiaries was Carl Sterling, who spoke on behalf of his fellow homeowners:
“We are forever grateful. These homes are not just structures; they are symbols of Jamaica’s determination to invest in its people and its future,” he said. “Let us work together to foster a community that serves as a beacon of hope and unity, one that reflects Jamaica as a place of choice to live, work, raise families and conduct business.”
The Prime Minister was joined at the event by key stakeholders including Chairman of the NHT, Linval Freeman, Tourism Minister and East Central St. James MP, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Managing Director of the NHT, Martin Miller, and Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon.
With construction cranes poised and blueprints in hand, St. James stands on the cusp of a housing revolution—one that seeks not just to provide shelter, but to build resilient, connected communities across Jamaica.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Jamaica Homes as part of our commitment to informing the public about housing and development trends in Jamaica. While information is accurate as of the date published, readers are encouraged to verify timelines, eligibility, and details directly with the National Housing Trust (NHT) or related authorities. Jamaica Homes is not affiliated with the NHT or its partners and does not endorse specific housing schemes or financial offerings.