Guyana pledges to build 300-plus homes in Jamaica
Key Points(5)
- Guyana has announced a second phase of support for Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery, including plans to construct more than 300 homes as part of ongoing regional assistance efforts.
- The commitment was made by Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his feature address at the opening of the International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara.
- The announcement came in the presence of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is on a two-day visit to Guyana for bilateral talks on cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, and development planning.
- President Ali said Guyana would follow through on its earlier commitments made after Hurricane Melissa, stressing that the housing initiative would be delivered through Guyana’s construction sector, including local builders, banks, and materials suppliers.
- “Our promised second phase of support in your recovery programme will be delivered.
Guyana has announced a second phase of support for Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery, including plans to construct more than 300 homes as part of ongoing regional assistance efforts.
The commitment was made by Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his feature address at the opening of the International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The announcement came in the presence of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is on a two-day visit to Guyana for bilateral talks on cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, and development planning.
President Ali said Guyana would follow through on its earlier commitments made after Hurricane Melissa, stressing that the housing initiative would be delivered through Guyana’s construction sector, including local builders, banks, and materials suppliers.
“Our promised second phase of support in your recovery programme will be delivered. We are known for keeping our promises,” he said, adding that preparations should begin immediately to start construction of the 300-plus homes in Jamaica.
The initiative builds on earlier assistance provided by Guyana after the storm, including emergency supplies such as generators, tarpaulins, chainsaws, food, building materials and water tanks. The Guyana Defence Force has also been working alongside the Jamaica Defence Force in ongoing recovery operations to restore shelter and infrastructure in affected communities.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in late October 2025 as the most powerful storm in the island’s recorded history, causing widespread damage to homes, hospitals, power systems and government facilities. Guyana was among the first CARICOM states to respond and later committed additional support during regional coordination efforts.
President Ali also said discussions with Jamaica covered broader cooperation in energy, culture and sport, including athlete training exchanges and plans for a cricket academy as part of deeper people-to-people and institutional ties.
The International Building Expo, held June 25 to 28 under the theme “Guyana at 60: Building Strong Foundations for a Sustainable Future,” marks Guyana’s 60th anniversary of independence and brings together regional leaders, policymakers and private sector stakeholders.
