BIG ideas run big risks. That is perhaps what the folks at the state-run National Housing Trust (NHT) are seeing, albeit under a firestorm of criticisms from the public about the purchase of the Outameni Experience for $180 million.

Over the past two publications, the Jamaica Observer has sought to peel away the confusion and entrenched positions to provide a clear view of what actually took place at the NHT and what are the issues to be addressed, based on the concerns raised by Jamaicans, most of whom are subscribers to the Trust.

The NHT is not unaccustomed to controversy, notably its construction of the Emancipation Park in New Kingston which unleashed the passion of Jamaicans — first for or against the expenditure “while poor people can’t get housing” and then the erection of the nude statues of slaves.

This time, however, there is justifiable concern about whether the NHT should be spending $180 million on a private property when the popular perception is that it cannot build enough houses for shelter-starved Jamaicans. It does appear, from our exposé, that it was good intention on the part of the board in support of Jamaican Independence, after an idea to replicate the Park in the West had been scuttled.

It was a big idea and one worthy of consideration, given the educational and cultural value of Outameni. Yet we believe, as the saying goes, that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and the wrong approach was taken by the board.

Had the discussion been taken beyond the NHT boardroom to include John Public, it might have been annoying and time-consuming, time-wasting even, but we know no better way to get the views of owners on a matter which concerns them. Subscribers of the NHT are the owners and they have a right to a say.

Assurances from the NHT that the $180 million did not come from the housing spend of $20 billion this financial year or the $23 billion last year will not sit well, because there needs to be serious explanation as to why all the housing needs cannot be met when there is extra money in the till.

Notice that no one has been accused of pocketing money from the deal or of shady dealings.

One of the real casualties of the controversy, unfortunately, is the perfectly wonderful Outameni concept that has a place in the national mix. We suspect that many of the persons now angered by the purchase would support an Outameni, just not without a full understanding of why the Trust could not use that money to build more houses, in keeping with its mandate.

The Outameni concept has broad support among the two major political parties, starting with former Prime Minister Bruce Golding and proponents of our culture, history and social development. We hope that a way can be found to revive it and keep it going, difficult though it will be in a tough economic environment.

But as we have proven time and again as a people, where there’s a will there’s a way.