“The Gov’t is not utilising resources from the National Housing Trust for purposes that are not of national importance” – PM Holness

“The Government is not utilising resources from the National Housing Trust for purposes that are not of national importance.”

That’s according to Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, as he defended his administration’s decision to utilise $11.4 billion from the NHT.

The matter has been a topic of contention, especially for the Opposition which has repeatedly called for the practice to be stopped.

The Opposition argues that the NHT must be used for its original mandate – providing affordable housing solutions.

However, while speaking at the official launch of the Chester Creek Development in St. Catherine yesterday, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to affordable housing.

He maintained that the money taken from the NHT will strengthen Jamaica’s economic position.

Dr. Holness also noted that any decision to access NHT resources must be grounded in national interest and economic responsibility.

He acknowledged that the money is contributed for housing and that the Government’s utilisation of it cannot continue indefinitely.

The Prime Minister underscored that fiscal realities require prudent and sometimes difficult choices.

He said in circumstances where deficits must be financed, governments are left with limited options: cutting essential services, raising taxes or responsibly reallocating available resources.

Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed that the Government remains firmly committed to the NHT’s core mandate of providing affordable housing solutions for contributors.

He assured Jamaicans that the current approach is designed to stabilise and strengthen the broader economy, thereby ensuring that housing delivery can be sustained and expanded over the long term.