NHT Extends Support to Persons Impacted by Hurricane Beryl

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has introduced a multipronged response to support the immediate recovery efforts for persons directly impacted by Hurricane Beryl and to bolster the long-term disaster resilience of communities.

These include Moratorium for NHT Mortgagors, Peril Insurance for NHT Mortgagors, Special Home Improvement Loan for Roof and Home Repair, and a Special Home Grant for vulnerable NHT Contributors who sustained damage in the wake of Hurricane Beryl.

The response measures were announced by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, while making a statement on the Hurricane Beryl Relief and Recovery Efforts in the House of Representatives, on July 16.

The Prime Minister said mortgagors who have been affected by Hurricane Beryl and may need to prioritise urgent repairs to their property may apply for a brief moratorium of three to six months.

He said this arrangement may facilitate some reprieve for persons recovering from the impact of the storm, especially as they prepare for back-to-school.

“Note that this special moratorium arrangement for mortgagors impacted by the storm must be applied for. It is not a general moratorium… . For those persons who have been impacted, but they have a current difficulty, they may have been laid off for example, because their workplace was impacted by the storm, they could apply… whilst they get their affairs in order,” Mr. Holness said.

Turning to Peril Insurance for NHT Mortgagors, he said all NHT Mortgagors are covered by the NHT’s blanket House Owners Comprehensive Policy.

He said this includes coverage for damage caused by, but not limited to, Fire, Hurricane, Windstorm, Storm, Tempest, Cyclone, Tornado, Hail, Full Flood, Impact Damage, however caused.

“Thus far, the Trust has a number of inquiries and claims in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. The NHT has mobilised its branches in anticipation of this and is prepared to process the claims that may be submitted by mortgagors in the coming days,” he said.

The Prime Minister further noted that the NHT will facilitate a special home improvement loan for existing NHT mortgagors to assist in necessary repairs, and home improvements to improve. disaster resilience.

He said this is a special facility aimed at supporting mortgagors who may need to supplement insurance arrangements in order to adequately complete repairs.

“This facility is also intended to support NHT contributors, including those who do not currently have a mortgage but may have suffered property damage due to the hurricane. We have this special loan window, and we are encouraging persons who suffered damage who may not qualify for a grant from the Government to use this special loan window for the repair of roof or your home,” he said.

The Prime Minister further disclosed that NHT contributors who sustained damage to their homes in the wake of Hurricane Beryl may apply for a special Home Grant to assist in home repairs.

He said this grant will be available, subject to need and level of impact, pointing out that both contributors and mortgagors may apply.

“In addition to these measures, the NHT is also committing to support the national recovery effort and the NHT will contribute $200 million to the national restoration, reconstruction and relocation,” he said.

The Government has earmarked $1 billion for the national restoration, reconstruction and relocation.

“We will start the rollout of this by latest next Tuesday,” the Prime Minister pointed out.

He reminded Jamaicans that every claim that is submitted has to be assessed. “I can’t stress enough that a disaster does not suspend accountability,” Mr. Holness said.