Government Pushes For Five More Years Of NHT Budget Withdrawals

The administration moved in Parliament today to secure permission for further transfers of millions of dollars from the National Housing Trust into the national budget, a proposal that has drawn criticism.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams opened debate on the legislation, saying the continued drawdown is being pursued because of Hurricane Melissa's impact and the demands of response and recovery. Williams said the measure is planned to run for the next five years.

The Opposition, however, said it will vote against the bill. Opposition Leader Mark Golding again argued that NHT funds should remain focused on the trust's main purpose: providing housing.