KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesperson on Housing and Sustainable Living, Senator Dr Floyd Morris is strongly condemning what he says is a new policy announced by the Government to stop providing further interest rate subsidies to certain categories of contributors to the National Housing Trust (NHT).

In a statement this afternoon, Morris expressed that this is a most retrograde step being taken by the Andrew Holness-led Government which is demonstrating an insensitivity to the needs of the Jamaican people at this most challenging time.

“Our civil servants, persons with disabilities, police and other such categories of contributors to the NHT are deserving of every ounce of subsidy that is provided to them. These are individuals who continue to make selfless sacrifices for our country and some are amongst the most vulnerable in the society”, said Senator Morris.

The Opposition spokesperson noted that the Government saw it fit to spend $18 million of taxpayers money on the campaign of a minister for an international job, as well as continuously take $11.4 billion out of the NHT each year even after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme has ended, but does not see it fit to provide a lower interest rate forcontributors who are in need of, and deserve the support.

“The Government and the prime minister must be reminded that the NHT is a trust that was established for the workers and as such, policies must be designed to benefit and not disadvantage contributors”, said Morris.

The Opposition added that it is urging the Government and the prime minister to reconsider “this ill-conceived and insensitive policy, which once again illuminates the uncaring character of this Government.”