Lennox Channer, a vice president of the Jamaica Broilers Group, has been appointed the new chairman of the National Housing Trust (NHT).
The announcement was made last week by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Hanover, while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony for the start of a new housing project in the western parish.
Channer, who was previously a member of the existing board, replaces Dr Nigel Clarke as chairman. Clarke relinquished the post after he was elected a member of parliament and named the minister of finance and public service earlier this year.
Channer holds a Master of Science Degree in Decision and Information Sciences from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Sciences from the University of the West Indies, Mona.
Addressing the ceremony, Channer thanked the prime minister for the appointment, pledging to continue the work of his predecessor.
“I would like to say thanks to my portfolio minister and prime minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, for this opportunity to serve the NHT and the people of Jamaica in this capacity,” stated Channer.
“I do intend to continue the great work of my predecessor, Ambassador The Honourable Dr Nigel Clarke. And I am well aware of your vision and charge to the NHT under Dr Clarke's stewardship to build more house and I also take the charge to build more houses,” Channer added.
The new NHT chairman said the agency would be increasing its investment in housing over the next years.
He noted that in 2018/2019 financial year, the NHT will be spending over $30 billion on housing.