Holness defends NHT drawdown, reviews fuel prices and SPARK road works

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the Government’s planned drawdown of $11.4 billion each year from the National Housing Trust is grounded in fiscal necessity, as Jamaica deals with the economic fallout from Hurricane Melissa. Amendments to the National Housing Trust Act were approved in the House of Representatives on Tuesday and sent to the Senate for further debate and approval.

Holness said the hurricane’s impact was estimated at about US$12.2 billion, equal to roughly 56.7 per cent of gross domestic product. He argued that without the NHT transfer, the Government would have to find the money elsewhere, possibly through additional taxation. The special NHT transfer is among the revenue measures for the 2026-2027 financial year.

The Prime Minister also met Thursday with Petrojam and the Ministers of Finance and Energy for an update on fuel-market pressures. The meeting heard that Petrojam has been buying fuel at higher prices but has not passed the full cost on to consumers. Since the latest Middle East conflict began, about US$22 million has been spent on fuel. Holness said the Government is trying to manage increases because of the inflationary burden and the effect on poorer Jamaicans, while warning that such support cannot continue indefinitely.

Holness urged Jamaicans to reduce energy and fuel use where possible, saying conservation by households and businesses must form part of the national response.

He was also briefed on the $40 billion SPARK programme, which is intended to improve roadways islandwide. Officials reported that 380 community roads were at the contracting stage, 107 community roads had been completed, and 35 main road corridors were slated for work. The programme covers community road repairs, major corridors and utility upgrades, including water systems.

Among last week’s courtesy calls was a visit from World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Daren Tang. The visit resulted in a letter of intent with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office for the creation of the Intellectual Property Training Institution, with cooperation activities expected to begin in 2027. A separate partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide structured intellectual property training for Jamaican diplomats and public officials.

On Friday, Holness addressed graduates of the Jamaica Constabulary Force 91st Cohort Staff and Junior Command Course at the National Police College of Jamaica. He said leadership, professionalism, communication, resource management, administration, investigation, intelligence and operations were essential tools for command.

Holness also offered condolences to the family, friends and community of Latoya Bulgin, who recently died in an accident involving the police. He said the matter had caused pain and concern in Jamaica and beyond, and welcomed the prompt opening of an investigation.