Imani Tafari-Ama | Reconstruction is also about priorities

Almost a year after Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica, a rather extraordinary juxtaposition confronts us. On one side is the continuing struggle of Jamaicans whose homes, livelihoods and communities were battered by the category-5 hurricane.

On the other is the decision by the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) to lease headquarters in the Digicel Building on Kingston’s waterfront at approximately $115.2 million a year, under a five-year agreement. That is roughly $576 million in rent over five years, before utilities, staffing and other operating costs.

Full coverageNaRRA Signs Five-Year Lease for Kingston Headquarters Amid PNP Spending Criticism20 reports

The announcement understandably provoked public concern. On October 7, the Government announced that it was scaling back the amount of space NaRRA would initially occupy, saying it had heard the concerns and would reduce the associated costs.