PM, Simpson Miller hold talks over controversial de-bushing programme

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has met with Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller and members of the Opposition about the controversial multi-million dollar de-bushing programme.

In a statement this afternoon, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) described the meeting as productive.

It said Holness explained the elements of the $548 million programme and informed the Opposition of changes which will see the remainder of the funds being used exclusively to address cleaning the island’s drains.

The OPM says the opposition has welcomed the changes.

The Prime Minister also noted that the Opposition is a key partner in Jamaica's governance structure.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness has instructed the National Works Agency to share its template of priorities with all Members of Parliament so that they are fully up to date with the drain cleaning initiative.

Last week, Opposition members walked out of the Parliament after failing to get a commitment that the Prime Minister would address their concerns regarding the de-bushing programme said to have been implemented only in constituencies represented by Jamaica Labour Party Members of Parliament.