Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says clarification on the status of the Bernard Lodge housing project in St. Catherine, in light of concerns raised, will be provided soon.
Mr. Holness said the project, which aims to provide 1,600 housing solutions, has been halted to address stakeholder concerns regarding, among other things, issues with the perceived displacement of agricultural activities.
“I have asked Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, to prepare a full report to bring to the public,” Mr. Holness informed.
Mr. Holness said much of the concerns are being discussed by persons without their having the full information.
“The reports that I have gotten so far have suggested that provisions have been made within the acreage that is available to accommodate the farmers who are there.. and, indeed, if you look at the entire development, a large part of it will still remain in agriculture,” he indicated.
Meanwhile, Mr. Holness advised that there are no plans for the Bernard Lodge development to be classified as a city.
“Bernard Lodge will be a new township… it will expand the Portmore development… but it won’t technically be classified as a city. There are some amenities, buildings and features that must be in place… and those will not be in place in Bernard Lodge… at least not in its initial development,” he emphasized.
