PM Announces $1.6 Billion to Rebuild Barracks at Up Park Camp

The Lathbury Barracks at the Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) Up Park Camp headquarters, is to be rebuilt at a cost of $1.6 billion allocated by the Government.

Making the announcement in her contribution to the 2012/13 Budget Debate, today June 5, in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, informed that construction will be undertaken by the JDF's Engineering Battalion.

The Prime Minister explained that when she toured the camp a few weeks ago, she “was most distressed to see the deplorable condition in which our soldiers are living."

“I immediately brought this to the attention of the new National Housing Trust (NHT) Chairman and asked that he discuss with his Board, ways and means to immediately address an outstanding agreement on this matter,” she said. 

The Prime Minister emphasised that members of the Jamaica Defence Force protect the nation, and “this Government defends their right to better living conditions."

“The fact that the barracks will be rebuilt at Up Park Camp, is an indication that this Government took the decision that the Jamaica Defence Force if they are good enough to sacrifice, to put themselves in harm’s way for this country and protection of this nation, they will remain at Up Park Camp,” she said.

Mrs. Simpson Miller commended the JDF for saving the Government money, by undertaking several projects at Up Park Camp, including making blocks.

By Alecia Smith-Edwards, JIS Reporter