Gov't and opposition remain at odds over JPS loan

  

A seeming contradiction over the impact of prolonged blackout conditions at hospitals post Hurricane Melissa has prompted Opposition Spokesperson on Health Dr. Alfred Dawes to demand answers from the government.

 

The opposition's position comes after Finance Minister Fayval Williams, during Tuesday's sitting of the House of Representatives, defended the government's US$150 million loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to fast-track restoration.

 

Minister Williams sought to justify the loan while asserting that critical surgeries were being postponed due to delayed power restoration.

 

"What is the opportunity cost of bringing restoration, of electricity, forward by three to four months?" Dr. Dawes had questioned.

 

"I would love you to ask the patient that is waiting for a life-saving operation, to ask that patient what is the opportunity cost of [J]$25 billion. Ask that patient," Mrs. Williams retorted.

 

Her assertion came even as the Health Ministry has assured that hospitals outside of the worst affected stayed operational. Field hospitals were also procured to fill the gaps in clinical and emergency care. 

 

It is why Dr. Dawes wants to know if Jamaicans are being misled as he questioned the accuracy of the information being communicated. 

 

"Did the Minister of Finance mislead the country by stating that life-saving surgeries were not taking place? Or is the Ministry of Health misleading the public regarding which hospitals are currently able to provide these essential services? This contradiction is unacceptable and the Jamaican people deserve immediate factual answers. I am further troubled by what appears to be an attempt by the Ministry of Finance to leverage the health sector and the legitimate fears of citizens to rationalise a high risk $24 billion loan to JPS," he complained.

 

Meanwhile, Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, has described the opposition's criticisms against the restoration loan as tone-deaf and insensitive to the plight of Jamaicans.

 

"The Cabinet essentially moved to bring badly needed convenience to the people via an arrangement where the monies lent will be recouped at 5 per cent interest rate. This initiative is known about a win-win situation for the people of Jamaica. So the view expressed by members of the PNP that this $150 million loan is not necessary and perhaps the people should be able to wait a bit, is not only obtuse but incredibly short-sighted," Mr. Fitz-Henley asserted.