Jamaica Labour Party

The Jamaica Labour Party mourns the loss of an extraordinary woman, the former Councillor for the Denham Town Division, Lorna Joy Leslie.

After outlining improved housing delivery & the periodic doubling of expenditure on housing needs of Jamaicans under the Jamaica Labour Party Gov't compared to the ex-administration, Minister Fitz-Henley pushed back against false claims made by the PNP during debate on the NHT.

Senator Fitz-Henley noted that the NHT’s contribution to helping Melissa victims includes:

$1.9B in grants to 5,078 households
$4.6B to purchase of modular homes
$7Ɓ to process almost 4000 insurance claims
$6.6M on special roofs loan
6 month moratorium of half-a-year on 36,000 mortgages

This expenditure from the NHT is in addition to the 67B being spent as part of the national budget. The 67B includes the Government’s 10B ROOFS programme.

Senator Tavares-Finson highlighted the long history of the Jamaica Labour Party administration supporting housing development, noting that efforts to expand home ownership and build communities predated the establishment of the National Housing Trust.

He underscored that housing remains fundamental to economic opportunity, family stability, and national progress.

Senator Tavares-Finson made the remarks during his contribution to the debate in the Senate on Friday.

Housing is not about rhetoric. It is about results.

Since 2016, the Government has initiated over 31,500 housing units, delivered more than 21,000 completions, and facilitated over 67,000 mortgages through the NHT. Housing investment has consistently surpassed previous levels, all while maintaining fiscal discipline and without increasing the national debt.

The facts are clear: this administration is investing more, building more, and delivering more housing opportunities for the people of Jamaica.

Minister Fitz-Henley made these comments during the Senate on Friday.

Jamaicans can be confident that the NHT remains strong and focused on its core mission. Senator Duncan highlighted that housing investment, mortgage disbursements, and contributor benefits have all grown significantly, while the NHT continues to maintain healthy surpluses.

The real challenge is increasing housing supply by tackling long-standing barriers such as land availability, approval timelines, and construction capacity.

Housing is not just a promise, it is a priority. Senator Kamina Johnson Smith highlighted that the NHT is delivering more housing solutions, more mortgages, lower interest rates, greater affordability, and expanded access for Jamaicans across every income bracket.

With over 41,000 housing solutions currently being delivered through various stages of development and billions invested in housing and subsidies, the Government is ensuring that NHT contributors see real benefits while maintaining the institution’s financial strength.

Senator Johnson-Smith made the remarks during her contribution in the Senate.

Good legislation is not about delay for delay’s sake. It is about building institutions that can move with speed, fairness, accountability, and purpose while delivering results for the Jamaican people.

Mental health requires more than institutionalisation. It requires compassion, community support, early intervention, and access to care that protects the dignity of every Jamaican.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, made the point while delivering his presentation during the Sectoral Debate.