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Holness Denies IC's Construction Breach Report, Seeks Legal Advice

2024-12-11

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has found himself at the center of a storm as he accuses the Integrity Commission of targeting him and seeking to damage his reputation. In a report presented in Parliament today, the commission alleged that Estatebridge Holdings Limited built more rooms than permitted in the construction of a St Andrew apartment complex. However, Holness firmly denies any connection to the company and insists that investigators have ignored crucial information.

"Holness vs. Integrity Commission: A Battle for Reputation"

Accusations and Denials

The Integrity Commission's report has brought forth serious claims against Prime Minister Holness. It stated that Estatebridge Holdings Limited exceeded the permitted number of rooms during the construction of the apartment complex. But Holness vehemently denies these accusations, emphasizing that he is not a director, shareholder, or owner of the property in question. He has been informed that the development has been inspected by the competent authority, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), which has confirmed that the number of rooms approved matches the number of rooms constructed.This raises concerns about the integrity of the investigation. Holness points out that the investigators ignored the statements given by the KSAMC, which is the authoritative body that observed the development to be in structural conformity with the approved plan. Additionally, they ignored the statements of the persons involved, who explained the works being undertaken. This lack of due diligence in the investigation has left Holness perplexed and frustrated.

Timing and Suspicion

It seems more than just a coincidence that this report was submitted to Parliament just a few days before the delivery of the Supreme Court's judgment in a matter where Holness is seeking judicial review of another report of the Commission. Such timing raises suspicions about the motives behind the report. A statutory entity exercising its powers in this manner is deeply troubling for Holness and for the public.He remains steadfast in his commitment to serving Jamaica, stating that this transparent attempt to attack his reputation will not deter him. He has already asked his lawyers to review the report and provide further advice.Holness continues to face these challenges head-on, determined to clear his name and uphold the integrity of his leadership. The public will be closely watching as this legal battle unfolds.Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.

Estatebridge Holdings Limited has found itself at the center of a controversy as the Integrity Commission's report alleges a breach of the building law in the construction of an apartment complex in St Andrew. This report has sparked significant discussions and raised questions about the company's compliance and the role of relevant authorities.

Unraveling the Truth Behind Estatebridge's Building Allegations

Inspections and Competent Authority

The development in question was subject to several inspections by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), which is the legally designated competent authority for determining room count and compliance. It is crucial to note that at no time during these inspections did the KSAMC observe a breach in the room count. In fact, from the most recent inspection, it was confirmed that the units indeed consisted of two bedrooms. During construction, variations in the size of areas and reconfiguration of the layout are common and do not materially change the building footprint. The necessary applications for these changes are currently in the process.

For context, the development is still ongoing, and at the time of the unannounced visits by the Integrity Commission, significant work was being carried out to correct plumbing and other issues. This involved digging into walls and slabs to identify and reroute pipes. Without observing the final structural walls and the installation of doors and other amenities, it is impossible to draw a valid conclusion regarding the number of rooms.

Allegations and Timing

The Integrity Commission's report stating that the development consisted of 4 bedrooms instead of 2 has come under scrutiny. It is important to consider the timing of this report, which coincided with Director Norman Brown's application for judicial review in the Supreme Court. This raises suspicions that it may be another attempt to damage the reputation of the company's principals by relying on hearsay, misrepresentation of facts, and spurious conclusions.

The principals of Estatebridge Holdings Limited are law-abiding citizens who have dedicated themselves to serving Jamaica. They will not be deterred by these baseless allegations and the bureaucratic overreach of an organization that is not the competent authority. Their commitment to the country and their business operations remains unwavering.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.

In Colchester, Vermont, a peculiar situation unfolds at 128 Hegeman Avenue. Even as night falls, the lights remain on, with signs of Vermont Construction Company visible outside. However, a closer look reveals a story that goes beyond a simple commercial property. Colchester Selectboard Chair Pam Loranger was alarmed when she discovered that up to 19 people were being housed in a storage space with exposed electrical wiring and loose trash near space heaters, lacking any fire or carbon monoxide safety measures. This discovery led to a heated discussion at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Controversy and Divergent Views

Byron Gokey from Vermont Construction Company defended the situation, stating that "it's not like they were living in squalor. This is good accommodations for some of them." Gokey has been in the construction business for over 50 years and is proud of his company's work. He claims that the demand for laborers, many of whom are Latino migrants, is on the rise, and they were doing the best they could when six people's housing fell through due to safety violations in September. There simply was no other place to put them, and even hotels in the town were unavailable.However, Loranger admonished the company, emphasizing the importance of safety and proper living conditions. She raised concerns about the well-being of these individuals and the need for proper regulations.

The Dairy Industry Trend

Employer-provided housing is a common trend in the dairy industry to attract migrant workers. Will Lambek with Migrant Justice points out the irony that the very people coming to build housing to address the state's shortage are having difficulty finding quality and dignified housing themselves. Other industries like hospitality and construction are also following suit, taking a page out of the dairy industry's book.This highlights the complex issue of housing for migrant workers and the need for comprehensive solutions.

New State Legislation and its Impact

Migrant Justice believes that new state legislation to protect migrants against housing discrimination could have a significant impact. It could bolster the labor force by ensuring that migrants have a safe place to live, which in turn would benefit the construction and other industries. Such legislation would send a clear message that the state values the contributions of migrant workers and is committed to their well-being.In conclusion, the situation at Vermont Construction Company's property raises important questions about housing for migrant workers and the need for stricter regulations and support. It is a complex issue that requires the attention and action of all stakeholders.