Opposition points out that legislation which established NARRA directs Gov’t to use public assets, not private sector properties

Opposition points out that legislation which established NARRA directs Gov’t to use public assets, not private sector properties – IRIE FM

October 7, 2026

Written bySugar Ray Thomas

Opposition Leader Mark Golding says under the law, suitable government-owned premises should have been used to serve as the headquarters of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARRA).

He was addressing concerns regarding the estimated $115 million lease arrangement entered into between Digicel and the Government to house NARRA at the telecommunications provider’s Downtown Kingston building.

Following public backlash, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said the lease arrangement will be reviewed.

This will result in NARRA occupying one floor of the building instead of two.

According to Mr. Golding, the legislation which establishes NARRA directs the Government to use public assets to carry out the Authority’s functions, not private sector properties.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/GOLDING-ON-NARRA-LEASE-1.mp3

Mr. Golding says the Government must tell the nation what effort it made to find suitable buildings it owned to accommodate NARRA’s offices.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/GOLDING-ON-NARRA-LEASE-2.mp3

He highlights that the issue over NARRA’s lease comes against the background of what he deems the slow pace of assistance to several Hurricane Melissa victims.

https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/GOLDING-ON-NARRA-LEASE-3.mp3