Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has outlined that more than 10,000 households have already benefited from cash grants aimed at supporting recovery efforts following recent hurricane impacts, with thousands more set to receive assistance in the coming weeks.

Charles Jr reported that as of January 9, nearly 69,085 household assessments had been completed, and that figure has now climbed well beyond 70,000, despite persistent rainfall disrupting field work in several parishes.

“In the last two weeks alone, we lost at least four assessment days in some parishes due to consistent rain,” he said, speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday. “Yet our teams remained committed—many assessors were out in raincoats and under umbrellas continuing their work unless conditions were unsafe.”

He credited the Ministry of Labour and Social Security for leading the coordinated national effort, noting that more than 700 assessors have now been trained, certified, and deployed across the country. Volunteers continue to be welcomed to support the process.

Damage Categories and Grant Eligibility

Charles Jr explained that assessments classify homes into five categories: no damage, no significant damage, minor damage, major damage, and severe damage. While households with no or insignificant damage may still receive support such as food packages, cash grants for rebuilding are reserved for those with minor, major, or severe damage.

So far, assessment data show that approximately:

• 42 per cent of households with minor damage
• 40 per cent with major damage
• 18 per cent with severe damage

The remaining households fall into the no-damage or no-significant-damage categories. According to Charles Jr, the proportion of severe cases has declined as the most critically affected households were prioritised and assessed first.

With roughly 20,000 assessments still to be completed, officials expect most remaining cases to fall within the minor damage category, with some additional major damage cases.

Strong Partnership with the World Food Programme

A major component of the recovery effort has been the partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), which Charles Jr described as a longstanding and critical ally, dating back to previous disasters.

As of January 8, 2026, WFP completed its in-kind food distribution phase, delivering approximately 98,000 food kits nationwide. In addition, nearly six million meals prepared by World Central Kitchen have reached over 130,000 unique beneficiaries in severely impacted parishes.

The focus is now shifting toward cash-based assistance, which Charles Jr said restores dignity and gives families flexibility to meet urgent needs.

Under a programme launched on December 18, WFP has already assisted 10,047 individuals, with a target of 16,000 households, representing up to 50,000 people. Each household is eligible to receive two grant cycles of $34,000.

Beneficiaries are selected using the ministry’s assessment data, with priority given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable families. Payments are delivered through established national remittance and payment networks, supported by strong accountability and community feedback mechanisms.

Beyond Household Support

Beyond direct household aid, the WFP has also strengthened national logistics by providing transport, storage facilities, and emergency telecommunications. Large white storage units placed near shelters across the island ensure that essential supplies are readily available where they are most needed.

“These partnerships have significantly strengthened our national response capacity,” Charles Jr said, adding that the ministry remains committed to completing assessments swiftly and ensuring that support reaches those most affected as recovery continues.