Lambert Brown, Contributor
It is amazing how in Jamaica we tend to see every thing mainly from the spectacles of political affiliations. If a proposal comes from one side of the political fence, for the supporters of that side it is good, no matter how flawed. Conversely if the proposal comes from the other side it is automatically bad, notwithstanding its strength. This approach runs contrary to the spirit of discussing the merits and demerits of points before determining whether a proposal is worthy of support or not. Hence we find it difficult to develop bipartisan consensus on important issues facing our nation.
The temptations of both sides to play politics with the current malaria outbreak seem too irresistible. The blame game is unworthy when the life of even one of our citizens is at risk. As a people we would do well to learn from the Americans how to rally in unity as a nation in times of crisis. Nation first and then harsh criticism of political failures later, if necessary, seems to be their credo.
Recent proposals
It is against this background that I would like to examine recent proposals by Opposition Leader, Mr. Bruce Golding and JLP senator, Trevor MacMillan for changes in how the National Housing Trust (NHT) operates. If these changes will lead to better for the Jamaican people then they should be supported. If however on the other hand they are mere pipe dreams then they should be shunned.
Let us recall and record that the NHT celebrates 30 years of sterling service to the nation this year. It has provided home-ownership for thousands of Jamaican in every single parish. The information available reveals that in this time over 71,220 housing solutions were
provided by the Trust. In addition over 108,000 mortgages were created.
Separately 119,695 individual benefits including home improvement loans and build on own land were provided to the Jamaican people. What is further amazing is that in doing this, the NHT has justly escaped the label of being a political pork barrel.
This is an unprecedented feat in a country where political victimisation and corruption are endemic. May I add that for the 30 years, the NHT has been managed but for one year, by black Jamaicans - men and women. The NHT is governed by a board of directors, which is appointed by the Cabinet. All four prime ministers since 1976 has had at some point ministerial responsibility for the NHT. The buck stops with them if the NHT fails. Equally, they should share in the credit when success is achieved.
As a trade unionist it would be remiss of me if I did not point out that the concept of the NHT came from trade unionists who in talks with then Prime Minister Michael Manley in 1975 proposed to "mobilise savings on a mass basis and, then utilise these savings to meet one of the most urgent needs of our society - housing". This proposal found favour with the employers then. Trade unionists were made a majority of the directors of the NHT.
Well-managed
By any stretch of the imagination the NHT has been well-managed. In addition the NHT has put in place systems to ensure that its selection of applicants for loans and benefits are free from the frailties of man and the vagaries of politics. It has developed a culture of zero tolerance for corruption and fraud of any nature.
As the leader of the union representing the majority of their workers I can personally attest to the justified harshness with which the management has acted on the slightest suspicion of hanky panky by anyone in the NHT. Clearly it is possible to eliminate, if not totally eradicate, corruption from government agencies. That is the lesson of NHT, an independent government agency subject to ministerial direction. Let's give credit, where it is due.
Mr. Golding, has indicated that he would introduce a system of mortgage certificates to everyone. Sounds good and got a lot of applause. Will it produce more housing solutions for the people than is currently proposed? I suspect not, but I await further and better particulars. What I do know however is any such change would require the abandonment of refunding workers contribution each year, once they have contributed for seven previous years without receiving any benefit as is currently the case.
I don't know many workers who want to give up cash for holding a piece of pretty paper in their hand. Maybe Mr. Golding paid too much attention to the likely applause and inadequate attention to the details, while preparing his proposal. I cannot see the practical benefit of such proposal. My advice is "if it isn't broke, don't fix it". My advice to Mr. Golding, is go talk to the trade unionists who understand the reality and less to those who fund political campaigns.
For his part Mr. MacMillian wants to scrap the NHT board and replace it with a "Commission" and he does not want any politician taking credit for what they have a responsibility for. Again I ask will this add to the housing stock? Or is it that some people are tired to see the successful handing over of housing to poor Jamaicans who, but for government policies, would be squatters today?
Let us get real, and stop the pipe dreaming. Macmillan's proposal to make staff hand out the keys to beneficiary instead of the Prime Minister, MP or trade unionist, misses the reality that the overwhelming number of benefits are issued by staff.
However, what is there to stop a staff member who hands out keys becoming a candidate later for election? My advice to those who want to change the NHT is put brain in gear before opening mouth and start giving credit where it is due.
Lambert Brown is president of the University and Allied Workers Union, and can be contacted at labpoyh@yahoo.com.
