Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Senator Aubyn Hill, says it is not unusual for a government entity to spend more than $100 million a year on rent.
He was responding to concerns over the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, NaRRA, leasing space at the Digicel building in downtown Kingston for about $115 million annually.
The minister was speaking during Cliff Hughes Online on Tuesday.
NaRRA announced a five-year lease of the building on Monday, ahead of the its November 1 start of operations.
The Authority says the building was selected because of its resilience features and following a valuation conducted by the National Land Agency. NLA.
But the Opposition is demanding greater transparency.
It is calling on the government to disclose the full lease agreement, the NLA’s valuation report and a list of state-owned properties considered for NaRRA’s operations.
The PNP also wants the names and salaries of the Authority’s staff.
Senator Hill adds that constructing a new building to house NaRRA would have been even more costly.
Aubyn Hill, Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister
