Vernon: Affordable housing must be close to jobs, essential services
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Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says Jamaica’s affordable housing programme must ensure that people are not only provided with homes, but are able to live within reasonable reach of employment and essential services.
“As growth accelerates, the demand for affordable housing within reach of jobs and services becomes increasingly urgent,” Vernon said.
He was speaking at the World Habitat Day 2026 conference at the S Hotel in Montego Bay, St James hosted by Community Management and Development (COMAND), which is led by O’Dave Allen.
Vernon said housing should be considered within the wider context of urban development, including land use, transportation, infrastructure, environmental management and economic opportunity.
He said this is particularly important in Montego Bay, where economic growth, tourism expansion and inward migration are increasing demand for housing.
Vernon also highlighted challenges facing communities including Canterbury, Grange Pen, sections of Albion and areas surrounding the North and South gullies.
He said residents in these communities continue to face issues such as insecure tenure, flooding and infrastructure deficits.
The mayor said sustainable urban development must therefore address not only the availability of housing, but the conditions and opportunities surrounding communities.
He also called for increased investment in drainage, flood mitigation, environmental restoration and public spaces as Montego Bay continues to grow.
- Albert Ferguson
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