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PM Announces Strategic Review of NHT

By: , July 11, 2016

The Key Point:

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, announced on July 10 that the Government intends to undertake a strategic review of the National Housing Trust (NHT).
PM Announces Strategic Review of NHT
Photo: Mark Bell
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), exchanges pleasantries with Director of Production of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Enthrose Campbell (left), before the start of the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) 40th anniversary church service at the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard, St. Andrew on July 10. Sharing the moment are Pastor of the church, Rev. Dr. Alston Henry; and his wife Mrs. Eneth Henry.

The Facts

  • The Prime Minister said the policy direction for the NHT is one that will lead to hope and a prosperous future for the Jamaican people.
  • He informed that the NHT started implementation of its new policies last week.

The Full Story

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, announced on July 10 that the Government intends to undertake a strategic review of the National Housing Trust (NHT).

He said instructions have been given to the entity’s Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Nigel Clarke, for the review to begin in short order. He informed that the objective is to improve the operations of the agency, which he said, is a “national asset.”

Mr. Holness, who was addressing the NHT’s 40th anniversary church service at the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard, St. Andrew, said the review is intended to be as broad-based as possible and will ensure that both political parties are represented, as well as the church, the relevant unions, employers and other stakeholders.

He said it will incorporate the findings of external studies done on the NHT.

“What we want to do is to make sure that this institution will last a 100 years and beyond. Jamaica must make a decision as to how we are going to use this valuable asset of the NHT to ensure that every Jamaican, who wants to own their own home can do so and that this benefit can last for a long time,” he noted.

The Prime Minister said the policy direction for the NHT is one that will lead to hope and a prosperous future for the Jamaican people.

“That starts with ensuring that the NHT is a strong organisation that is agile and responsive to change, that can create the economic basis for building your future and giving hope for your children,” Mr. Holness said.

NHT’s anniversary celebrations are being observed under the theme: ‘NHT – 40 Years Strong: Building Communities Now and Beyond’.

The church service marks the beginning of activities, which will take place in parish offices and at the community level in the upcoming months.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Clarke, in a presentation delivered by NHT Director, David Wan, said the observance of the anniversary is an opportunity for the agency to reflect on its achievements, while also seeking to align itself to meet the changing needs of its contributors and the country.

He informed that the NHT started implementation of its new policies last week. These relate to reduced interest rates, relaxation of the requirements to access some NHT benefits, and increase in funds for specific purposes.

“This is just a small part of what needs to be done. In the months ahead we commit to looking at ways to make the NHT more efficient, more effective and more relevant,” he said.

Last Updated: July 11, 2016

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