Jamaica Plans Affordable Homes for Tourism Workers

Jamaica is working with a real estate company to build affordable homes for tourism workers amid a global economic slump.

The island’s housing minister says the government and Rose Hall Developments Limited will develop 130 acres (53 hectares) valued at $1 million. Horace Chang says the first batch of homes will be built near Montego Bay.

Officials did not specify the number of homes or say when construction would start. The government said Friday that it plans similar projects across the island.

The announcement comes as the Caribbean continues to shed hotel workers following a drop in visitors. Jamaica-based Sandals Resorts International recently said it would lay off 650 workers in Jamaica, Bahamas and St. Lucia.