Kingston, Jamaica, 10 August 2026
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has used his Independence Day message to call for national unity behind what he described as the first major co-ordinated rebuilding effort since Jamaica became independent, as the country continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa.
A new scale of reconstruction
Marking 64 years of Independence on 6 August, Dr Holness acknowledged that successive governments have built highways, housing schemes, schools, hospitals and water systems. He argued, however, that Jamaica has never before attempted a single island-wide programme of reconstruction and resilience at the scale and speed now required.
He pointed to the damage the storm caused to homes, schools, roads, bridges, water systems, farms and businesses, and praised the way neighbours, public servants, the security forces, churches, volunteers and Jamaicans overseas responded.
NaRRA at the centre
The effort will be led by the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), headed by Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson. Through the authority, the Prime Minister said, the Government is building the capacity to co-ordinate, finance and deliver rebuilding on a scale not seen since Independence.
He described NaRRA as a tool for disciplined action that should cut through fragmentation, prepare sound projects, enforce standards and guard public funds, while making sure works are finished properly and transparently.
According to Dr Holness, the programme aims to reduce vulnerability, open up new areas for development, strengthen rural communities and revitalise towns and cities.
A warning on waste
The Prime Minister cautioned that every wasted dollar is a road, classroom or water system left unrepaired, and called for high standards from government, contractors and institutions alike. He described corruption as theft from the Jamaican people and said indiscipline only delays progress.
What it means for homeowners
For property owners, especially in the parishes worst hit by Melissa, the message signals that large-scale public works on roads, water and community infrastructure are meant to accelerate under a single authority. That could eventually improve access and services in damaged areas.
It also points to tighter enforcement of building standards. Anyone repairing or building a home would be wise to follow approved plans and current codes, since those rules are likely to be applied more firmly as reconstruction gathers pace.
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