Henry orders review of Jamintel building purchase

Transport Minister Mike Henry has instructed the Board of the Transport Authority to undertake a review of the purchase of the Jamintel building in downtown Kingston by the agency.

The Authority spent $150 million in 2014 to buy the building and indicated that it would spend up to $440 million to relocate its head offices to the premises.

The move was expected to be completed by early this year but the project has faced delays.

In a statement, the transport minister said his decision to order a review came after a recent site visit and tour of the Jamintel building.

Henry says he wants to know, among other things, the rationale for buying the building; the building’s suitability for the Transport Authority; and the cost and affordability of the purchase and proposed refurbishment of the building.

He says he will update the public after examining the findings of the review.