Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator
PRIME MINISTER Portia Simpson Miller yesterday attempted to clarify a new Government initiative designed to provide housing for the indigent and poor senior citizens who have no means of income.
During her first press conference with the local media at Jamaica House, St. Andrew, yesterday, the Prime Minister said the indigent would benefit from shelter free of cost.
OPPOSITION ISSUE
Following her announcement in the 2006/2007 Budget Debate on Tuesday that the NHT is to allocate $150 million to the provide shelter for the indigent, elderly and disadvantaged, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding has taken issue with the decision.
Mr. Golding said yesterday, on the morning radio talk show Independent Talk on Power 106, that housing for the indigent should not be the responsibility of contributors to the National Housing Trust.
DETAILS
Giving details of the arrangement, the Prime Minister said during the briefing that the NHT will remain owners of the property while the persons to benefit will be allowed to live in the units for the rest of their lives. She said that, when those persons die, other indigent and elderly individuals would be offered the facility.
However, if there is no one to occupy the premises, the NHT will have the option of refurbishing the units and selling them on the open market.
