Govt’s monthly rental bill — $8.8M

Of the total, $365,000 (plus $54,750 in VAT) goes for rental for the Caribbean Court (to AE Hadeed Holdings Limited); $83,868 (plus VAT of $12,580) a month in rent for the Integrity Commission in the Unit Trust Building, and $107,000 a month for the Caricom Single Market and the Economy and the yet-to-be-established FTAA headquarters.

The figures were provided by Public Administration Minister Dr Lenny Saith.

On the rental issue overall, Saith said Government paid $8.8 million in monthly rental for 194 premises.

The rental paid for the CCJ is the most expensive, followed closely by that paid for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education — $350,000 monthly to NJ Nahous Investments. It also pays $106,000 to N.J Nahous Investments for the Social Development and Social Services Delivery Ministry.

The rental paid for the Ministry of Health is $295,000 a month to Nealco Properties Limited; and $131,000 a month (to Basic Space Limited) is also among the most costly rentals.

Nicholas Development Limited also gets a handsome sum of $246,600 monthly for the Customs and Excise Division and $74,496 for the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Winfield H Scott Trust Co Limited receives $160,000 monthly for the EBC and $30,165 monthly for the FAO.

In addition WH Scott Lands and Investments Limited receives $54,000 a monthly to house sections of the Planning and Development Ministry.

Ansa McAl and Ansa McAl Promenade Development Limited receive over $100,000 a month a rent from Government for the use of various properties.

Other high-priced rentals include $179,000 to Victoria Court Limited for the Ministry of Finance;$118,000 monthly (to VEMCO Limited) for the Drainage Division; $92,345 monthly to Steve Sinanan for accommodation for sections of the Ministry of Education.

Government pays $15,000 a month to Isidore Anthony and Wayne Smart to house the Civilian Conservation Corps and to Telly Paul and Company — $8,200 for the EMA; $8,688 and $18,0000 to house Divisions of the Office of the Prime Minister.