President of the People’s National Party, Mark Golding, has reiterated his commitment to restoring the National Housing Trust to its original purpose of providing affordable housing solutions for Jamaicans. Golding criticized Prime Minister Andrew Holness for what he described as gross mismanagement of the agency, highlighting the depletion of NHT funds under the Holness administration, which has left the Trust in deficit.
According to Golding, the Holness administration’s annual withdrawal of $11.4 billion from the Housing Trust has hindered its solvency, expressing concern over the extension of this arrangement for nine more years. He emphasized that this has resulted in the Trust being unable to lend money directly, compelling it to outsource lending to private banks and incur additional financial pressure through subsidies.
Golding made these remarks during a ceremony to present the PNP’s candidates for Manchester in the upcoming local government polls. The criticism was prompted by a recent report in the Gleaner, which revealed a settlement between the NHT and Dexim Holdings Limited–the developer was sued for allegedly failing to deliver the agreed 200 units in the Out of the Blue housing development in Discovery Bay, St. Ann. The NHT reportedly paid $650 million to the developer under a $2.5 billion contract.
Mark Golding accuses gov’t of copying PNP policies.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding has accused the government of copying the policies of the People’s National Party. He mentioned that the recent announcements made by the government actually originated from the opposition. Mr. Golding also highlighted that the government is considering proposals initially put forward by his party.
Additionally, he expressed his confidence in the PNP’s ability to regain control of the municipal corporation. He also addressed the claim of inequity in fund allocation and assured that such discrimination would not occur under a PNP administration led by him.