The Editor, Sir:

When Mr. Michael Manley implemented the National Housing Trust (NHT), he intended that the poorer class of Jamaicans would benefit from such venture. Alas, he would turn in his grave now, if he saw the fact sheet for Morris Meadows, the latest NHT housing development! Have the players at the NHT gone out of their minds? Do they think that all poor people are content to live in the ghetto, hence the Inner-city Housing Programme?

I was appalled to see the figures on the fact sheet for Morris Meadows, when I picked it up at the head office this morning, March 08. From what source do they expect poor people to find $804,347.50 as down payment, after which the monthly payment for mortgage is $23,300 (if the successful applicant is not as old as I am)? I must add that I am employed to the Government of Jamaica and there is no way my measly earnings could qualify me to be a successful applicant, as I would have to be earning at least $20,000 per week as stated in their fact sheet.

buy then rent

The houses the NHT are building these days are for people living in Jacks Hill and Cherry Gardens who wish to invest in real estate. These persons buy the houses from the NHT then rent them to those of us who can't afford to buy.

Sometimes we can't afford the rental either so we have to live in the ghetto where rental is cheaper.

Please note also that it's not every poor Jamaican who wishes to live and remain in the ghetto, so the inner-cityhousing schemes are not for us. I am one such person who is originally from one of the rural areas of the island, an I live in the ghetto, I don't intend to remain there. Note also that I have been applying to the NHT for a housing solution since the 1980s and have never been a successful applicant. Now the cost is beyond my affordability, and I must add that I am getting old, maybe too old to apply anymore!

I am sure I speak for the numerous ambitious Jamaicans who are desirous of owning a home, but are not earning J$20,000 per week. I hope I don't have any problems getting back my contributions when I retire!

I am, etc.,

Disgruntled NHT Contributor

Kingston 11

Via Go-Jamaica