KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Government has initiated a landmark resettlement strategy targeting communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa in the Black River region of St. Elizabeth. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has confirmed the identification of viable land parcels for a comprehensive reconstruction program designed to relocate both residential and commercial properties away from high-risk coastal zones.
During his address to the House of Representatives on March 19 as part of the 2026/27 Budget Debate, Holness outlined that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will lead acquisition talks with affected landowners starting early next month. The government plans to conduct community consultations and awareness sessions to engage residents along the vulnerable corridor in Black River.
The Prime Minister emphasized that geographic vulnerability necessitated the relocation, citing scientific risk assessments that indicate persistent threats from swamp proximity and rising sea levels. “The most viable solution, based on all risk maps, is relocation,” Holness stated. “We acknowledge the complexity of this process and commit to handling it with utmost sensitivity and transparency. Our objective is to ensure no resident suffers economic loss, and that all livelihoods are ultimately enhanced.”
While recognizing the protracted nature of such large-scale relocations, Holness called for public patience, underscoring that the program’s ultimate goals are safeguarding citizens, reinforcing infrastructural resilience, and ensuring sustainable community development in climate-vulnerable regions.