(Jamaica Gleaner) An Integrity Commission investigation has found that a company linked to Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his business partner Norman Brown built an apartment complex in St Andrew with more rooms than allowed, breaching the law.
Brown is chairman of the state’s Urban Development Corporation and the Housing Agency of Jamaica.
The agencies report to Holness as Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation.
In a report tabled in Parliament yesterday, the commissioner’s director of investigation Kevon Stephenson said the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation “failed” to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the building permit issued to Estatebridge Development Company Limited..
“Their paperwork relating to the three inspections they conducted suggest that the development was compliant at all stages,” the investigator said of the KSAMC.
Stephenson said the permit allowed for the construction of four 2 bedroom units at 2 Weycliffe Close, Beverly Hills, St Andrew.
But following an inspection, he found four 4 bedroom townhouses.
He said the finding was consistent with a report provided by Brown in December 2023.
Holness’ wholly owned company, Imperium Investment Holdings, along with one of his sons, a sister, and Brown are shareholders in Estatebridge.