Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the announcement yesterday (August 4, 2026), while handing over a newly constructed NSHP home to beneficiary Andrea Burke, in Central Kingston.

The Prime Minister said the modular units, first introduced as part of the Hurricane Melissa recovery effort, have shown significant promise and could become another option for providing safe, dignified housing to vulnerable Jamaicans.

“These units are fairly well built. They are compact, but when two are combined they provide a footprint comparable to a small studio unit. We are now exploring how they can be used as part of our broader shelter programme”, he said.

The Prime Minister explained that the Government will conduct extensive testing before deciding on their wider deployment.

“We want to see how long they last, how well they regulate heat, how secure they are and, most importantly, hear from the people who live in them about their comfort and overall experience. If they pass the test, we will begin using them right across the island”, he noted.

Prime Minister Holness said the Government also intends to improve on the design over time.

“We may very well develop our own innovations to make them even stronger and better suited to Jamaica’s conditions. These pre-built, containerized housing solutions could provide a faster, more orderly and more affordable way of delivering housing to people who need it most”, he stated.

Dr. Holness emphasised however, that the modular units will complement, not replace the existing homes constructed under the NSHP.

In receiving the keys to her new house, an emotional Andrea Burke thanked Prime Minister Holness and the Government for giving her a place to call home.

“One of my dreams has come true. I thank God, Prime Minister Holness and the Government for making homeownership possible. I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” she said.

The NSHP has now delivered 349 housing solutions, providing safe and dignified homes for more than 1,600 Jamaicans across 57 constituencies. Approximately 65 additional housing solutions are in various stages of construction.

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Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness announced that the platform became operational at 1:00 p.m. yesterday (July 30, 2026) during the ceremony to designate the Paul Bogle Highway.

The platform is available at jamaicaroadregister.gov.jm .

The first phase of the Register features roads in Kingston and St. Catherine, allowing residents to search for roads in their communities, view their status, identify the programme under which they are scheduled for rehabilitation, and see when works are expected to take place. The platform will be expanded to include roads across the island.

Prime Minister Holness said the Register represents a major step towards a more transparent and data-driven approach to managing Jamaica’s road network.

“You will be able to go on the website and see the status of your road, when it is scheduled to be repaired and which programme it is on. It will be interactive. You will also be able to upload information from your community about the roads, giving us valuable feedback so we can better understand the conditions on the ground”, he explained.

The Prime Minister said the platform forms part of the Government’s broader programme of road sector reform and the establishment of the One Road Authority, which will introduce a single national standard for road management, improve coordination among agencies and strengthen public accountability.

He noted that the Jamaica Road Register is more than a database.  It is a tool that empowers citizens to participate in maintaining the country’s infrastructure while helping Government make better-informed investment decisions.

“This is part of a larger mission to take control of our roads so they can be a source of pride and dignity and, indeed, roads to development,” the Prime Minister asserted.

The Jamaica Road Register supports the Government’s ongoing investment in modernising the country’s transport infrastructure through programmes such as the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK), while providing the public with greater visibility into how road rehabilitation projects are planned and delivered.

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Speaking at the official naming ceremony at the Morant Bay Roundabout, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness said the highway is both a tribute to Paul Bogle and a declaration of the Government’s commitment to building a more connected, prosperous and inclusive Jamaica.

“Today we join Jamaica’s history to Jamaica’s future. By designating this section of the Southern Coastal Highway the Paul Bogle Highway, we honour one of the greatest sons of St. Thomas and reaffirm that national development must always be rooted in our history,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that Paul Bogle’s courage and leadership during the Morant Bay Rebellion helped shape Jamaica’s journey towards nationhood and reminded the country that its history should inspire future progress.

“Our history is not always a reflection of our future. We can use our history as a motivating factor for building a better future.”

Dr. Holness said the Paul Bogle Highway represents more than modern infrastructure, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth that will improve connectivity, attract investment and create new opportunities for the people of St. Thomas.

“The road to development begins with a road. Better roads connect communities, reduce travel time, support business, create jobs and open opportunities for investment. That is why we chose to improve this corridor through our communities, ensuring the people of St. Thomas share directly in the benefits of development,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

The 31.5-kilometre highway forms part of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) and has transformed travel across Jamaica’s southeastern region by reducing travel times, improving road safety and strengthening opportunities for investment, tourism and economic growth.

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Minister Montague was joined on the tour by Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Hon. Dwayne Vaz, and officials from partner ministries and agencies. The day’s activities began at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) facility in Luana, St. Elizabeth, where more than 100 semi-permanent housing units donated by the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China are being securely stored ahead of deployment.

The delegation also visited the Petersfield/Shrewsbury cluster, which will provide approximately 50 housing units for displaced families, particularly those who have been living in emergency shelters. The first 20 units will be supported by essential infrastructure, including sewage systems, road access, and other basic services.

Minister Montague stressed that the programme is designed to ensure that assistance reaches families who genuinely qualify.

“It is not political. It is about helping Jamaicans who have suffered devastating loss and need a safe place to live. If you qualify, you will receive assistance regardless of your political affiliation,” the Minister said.

He noted that foundation works are already under way and emphasised that the programme has been carefully designed to ensure accountability.

“This is the first time Jamaica has undertaken an initiative of this nature, and we have taken the necessary time to ensure proper governance, accountability and value for money”, the Minister noted.

Minister Montague said the National Housing Trust (NHT) is financing the housing units at Shrewsbury. He added that, under the direction of Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, the NHT will reserve land within new housing developments across the five hurricane-affected parishes to accommodate eligible beneficiaries who do not own land.

The Minister explained that while registered land titles are not required, beneficiaries must have documented permission to occupy the land on which a unit is to be installed.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Hon. Dwayne Vaz, welcomed the progress and said the arrival of the housing units has renewed hope for residents who have endured months of hardship.

“Seeing these houses here today gives people real hope. There is still work to be done, but families can now see that the promise is becoming a reality,” he said.

The Member of Parliament further noted that many displaced residents continue to live with relatives, friends, or in temporary structures, making the programme an important step towards restoring normality and helping families rebuild their lives.

The Government of Jamaica is financing the supporting infrastructure required for the installation of the units, including site preparation, reinforced foundations, sanitation systems, rainwater harvesting facilities, and where necessary, solar power systems.

The programme is being implemented through a coordinated partnership involving the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID); the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development; the Ministry of Labour and Social Security; the Jamaica Defence Force; the Jamaica Constabulary Force; the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM); the Social Development Commission (SDC); the National Housing Trust (NHT) and the Municipal Corporations.

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Temporary mitigation measures were implemented where feasible, and works were prioritised to minimise further inconvenience to residents.The paving and asphalt works along Woodpecker Avenue have now been completed. The roadway has been fully paved, eliminating the exposed sections that previously generated significant dust when vehicles passed.

This marks substantial progress toward restoring a safe, durable, and dust-free surface for residents, motorists and other road users.The overall project is nearing finalisation. Minister Morgan stated:

“I want to assure the residents of Woodpecker Avenue that their concerns were heard and taken seriously. The dust nuisance that caused hardship earlier this year has been addressed through the completion of the paving works. We are grateful for the community’s patience as we worked to deliver a lasting solution under the SPARK Programme.”

The Ministry remains committed to transparent communication, responsive infrastructure delivery, and continuous improvement of Jamaica’s road network.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the residence for their continued support of the Spark Programme and expressed that similar progress is being made across the island, including the official opening of two Spark Roads in East Rural St Andrew, to take place on Thursday of this week.

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Cabinet has approved an additional $1.5 billion for the programme, which will support urgent rehabilitation of national roads across the island, with particular emphasis on western Jamaica and other corridors requiring immediate intervention.

Minister without Portfolio, with responsibility for Works, in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, said roadwork activity will increase significantly as contractors mobilise and signed contracts move into full implementation.

“The contracts have been signed, and the work is ramping up. Jamaicans will see significantly more road rehabilitation activity between now and December, with particular attention being given to heavily travelled main roads, school routes and corridors that are important to public transportation and economic activity,” Minister Morgan said.

The programme includes road-surface rehabilitation, localised pavement repairs, targeted resurfacing, asphaltic sheeting and the rehabilitation of damaged shoulders and edge breaks. The National Works Agency (NWA) will prioritise roads based on technical assessments, road-safety risks, traffic volumes, strategic importance and the severity of deterioration.

“With the new school year approaching, we will place special focus on main roads used by students, school buses and public-transport operators. We want the daily journey to and from school to be safer and more reliable,” Minister Morgan said.

The intervention follows extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 and subsequent periods of prolonged and intense rainfall, which accelerated pavement deterioration and affected road infrastructure across the island.

“This is not a one-week or one-month exercise. It is a sustained islandwide rehabilitation programme that will continue through December alongside works being undertaken through SPARK, the Special Capital Expenditure Programme and other national infrastructure initiatives,” Minister Morgan added.

The NWA will manage the programme and conduct inspections to ensure contractors comply with the required standards. Contractors will be required to correct any work that does not meet those standards.

The programme will focus on main roads maintained by the NWA, as most community roads, including residential avenues, lanes and crescents, fall under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporations.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution, observe traffic-management instructions and anticipate temporary delays where rehabilitation works are under way.

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The measures were agreed following discussions led by the Ministry, through the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC), with the highway operator, Jamaica North South Highway Company Limited (JNSHC), to improve the movement of vehicles through the toll plaza while supporting future traffic demand.

As an immediate measure, JNSHC has commenced construction of two additional toll lanes at the Mammee Bay Toll Plaza. Once completed, the additional lanes are expected to significantly reduce queue lengths and improve the level of service during periods of high traffic volume.

JNSHC has also been instructed to submit a comprehensive long-term expansion plan to NROCC to accommodate increasing traffic demand. The plan will include engineering designs for the future expansion of the Mammee Bay Toll Plaza, along with other operational improvements to enhance the efficiency of the facility over time.

“We recognise the inconvenience motorists have experienced, particularly during peak weekend travel periods, and have been working closely with NROCC and the toll operator to deliver practical solutions,” said Minister Morgan. “The addition of two new toll lanes will provide immediate relief, while the long-term expansion plan will ensure the toll plaza is equipped to meet Jamaica’s growing traffic demands.”

Stephen Edwards, Managing Director of NROCC, welcomed the measures and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving the travelling experience for motorists.

“The additional toll lanes represent an important short-term intervention, while the long-term expansion plans will position the Mammee Bay Toll Plaza to accommodate future growth in traffic volumes. NROCC will continue working closely with JNSHC to implement practical solutions that improve traffic flow while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the highway network,” Edwards said.

To further improve traffic flow, JNSHC will intensify the promotion of its E-Pass electronic toll collection system. Motorists are encouraged to obtain an E-Pass device and ensure their accounts are adequately topped up before travelling, particularly on weekends and during other peak travel periods, as this can significantly reduce waiting times at toll plazas.

During the construction period, motorists are advised to obey all posted signs, follow the directions of traffic management personnel, and exercise caution while travelling through the work zone.

The Ministry, through NROCC, will continue to work closely with JNSHC to implement these and other measures aimed at delivering a safer, more efficient, and reliable highway network for all Jamaicans.

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The works are being undertaken by the National Works Agency (NWA) in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) as part of the nationwide programme to rehabilitate and modernize roads to a higher engineering standard.

Residents and motorists are advised to expect temporary traffic delays during construction and are encouraged to obey all traffic signs and the directions of on-site personnel.

Minister with Responsibility for Works, the Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, said the commencement of paving works is another milestone in the Government’s commitment to delivering tangible improvements in communities across Jamaica.

“SPARK is no longer a promise, it is being delivered in communities across the island. From Portland to St. Ann and every parish in between, Jamaicans are seeing roads reconstructed to a modern standard. Seacrest Drive is another example of the Government delivering on its commitment to improve connectivity, strengthen communities and enhance the daily lives of our citizens.”

Minister Morgan noted that the programme is entering an important phase, with community roads advancing steadily while the major road component also gathers momentum.

“Every constituency is benefiting from SPARK. Community roads identified through public consultation are now moving into construction, while work is also progressing on the programme’s major road component. This is the most comprehensive road improvement programme Jamaica has undertaken in decades.”

Under the SPARK Programme, each constituency received a base allocation of J$200 million, with additional funding distributed based on the extent of the road network within each constituency. The programme is delivering safer, more resilient and longer-lasting roads while improving access for residents and supporting economic activity.

The National Works Agency thanks residents and motorists for their patience and cooperation during construction as the Government of Jamaica continues to build a stronger, safer and more modern road network through the SPARK Programme.

The post Paving Works Begin on Seacrest Drive Under the SPARK Programme first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

The award recognizes Jamaica’s leadership in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support data-driven decision-making and the development of an integrated national geospatial infrastructure.

Esri is the global leader in GIS software and location intelligence technology. Its mapping and spatial analytics platforms are used by governments and organizations worldwide to inform planning, disaster response, infrastructure development, and evidence-based policymaking.

The Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, is in charge of the Government during the Prime Minister’s absence. She takes over from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, the Honourable Dr. Horace Chang, who is also currently overseas on official duties.

Dr. Chang is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at which time he will resume acting in the Prime Minister’s stead for the remainder of the Prime Minister’s overseas engagements.

The post Prime Minister Holness to Receive 2026 Esri President’s Award; Minister Olivia Grange to Temporarily Lead Government first appeared on Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID).

Speaking at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Recover and Rebuild Expo 2026 on July 11, Minister Morgan said the Government’s infrastructure programme is designed not only to improve roads and bridges, but also to develop Jamaican contractors, engineers and suppliers.

Addressing concerns about the role of international contractors, the Minister noted that of the approximately US$1.19 billion spent on road infrastructure over the past 15 years, about 56 per cent has gone to local companies. He added that 99 per cent of the Government’s recurrent procurement over the last decade has been awarded to Jamaican firms.

“You cannot build a society by importing all the expertise from overseas,” Minister Morgan said. “Our objective is to partner international firms with local contractors so that Jamaicans gain the experience, capacity and opportunities needed to lead major projects in the future.”

He pointed to the $45-billion SPARK Programme, where more than 26 local contractors and suppliers are working alongside international partners. He also noted that local businesses continue to play significant roles on major projects, including the Montego Bay Perimeter Road.

The Minister said the benefits extend beyond construction companies, with Jamaican suppliers providing materials, equipment and services that keep more of the investment circulating within the local economy.

He further highlighted the $10-billion (programmed so far) Special CAPEX Programme, under which all road contracts have been awarded to local companies, and the Accelerated Bridge Programme, where Jamaican contractors are constructing the bridge foundations across the island.

Minister Morgan said the Government’s long-term goal is to build the institutional capacity needed for Jamaican firms to independently deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.

“Our objective is not simply to create work for contractors,” he said. “It is to build the technical and institutional capacity that will allow Jamaica to become increasingly self-sufficient in delivering major infrastructure projects.”

He added that future contracting arrangements will continue to require international firms to mentor Jamaican engineers and project managers, ensuring that expertise remains in the country long after projects are completed.

The Minister concluded by emphasizing that resilient infrastructure is about more than roads and bridges.

“Resilience is not simply about concrete and steel. It is about building infrastructure that protects our people, strengthens our economy and prepares Jamaica for the challenges of a changing climate,” he said.

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