‘We do not own land’ | PM Holness explains new housing programme principles

In a detailed explanation aimed at clarifying widespread misconceptions, the Prime Minister drew a clear distinction between the NSHP and established housing agencies like the National Housing Trust (NHT) and the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).

"The fundamental difference," Holness said, "is that we do not own land. When we build on land that does not belong to the government, whatever we build does not belong to the government either, it belongs to the person who owns that land."

His comments come amid community concerns and rumours that the programme, which constructs houses for vulnerable citizens, could lead to government land acquisition or disputes.

"That is why the stories going around about the government coming to take people’s land are simply not true," the Prime Minister asserted.

Holness outlined a rigorous, multi-step process designed to protect both the intended beneficiary and the Jamaican taxpayer. He stressed that no construction begins without irrefutable legal proof of land ownership.

"Before we build anything, we must first confirm who owns the land," he explained. "We will not put one block on any land unless we have documents in writing that can stand up in court."

This caution, he noted, is to prevent a scenario where a house is built and handed over, only for the legal landowner to emerge and claim the property.

"By law, that house would belong to the landowner, and the family would lose the house. That is why the process can take time. We must be sure the land is legally cleared and that the beneficiary has the right to live there," Holness stated.

Even after legal hurdles are cleared, the Prime Minister highlighted that technical assessments are mandatory.

"Not every piece of land is suitable for housing," he cautioned, noting that factors like soil stability, slope, and flood risk must be evaluated. "We must build safely, legally, and responsibly."

The NSHP, launched in 2018, is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. It targets the poorest of the poor, including the elderly, disabled, and indigent, constructing basic but sturdy housing units to replace dilapidated structures.

While governance and housing advocates are likely to welcomed the clarification it is clear that the Holness administration must embark on a continuous public education campaign. 

For many awaiting assistance, the Prime Minister's message is one of patience amid precision. "I understand that many people do not know how these things work," Holness said, "so it is important that I explain it clearly."

The government maintains that this meticulous approach, though sometimes slow, is the only way to ensure that a gift of a home is secure, permanent, and free from future legal turmoil.