Parliament authorized the Minister for Finance to borrow just over $13 million to honor outstanding payments.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, at Tuesday’s sitting of the House of Assembly, said government is committed to settling outstanding liabilities for purchase of private lands acquired for development.

Parliament authorized the Minister for Finance to borrow just over $13 million to honor outstanding payments to owners of lands in the south.

Dr. Anthony said government is completing a process for the payment of remaining liabilities.

"First the government had to issue bonds to purchase the Black Bay lands. That amount then was about $11 to $12 million. Then we had to settle with the Jamaican Government for the lands that was acquired again for Roebuck but this time on the Canelles side. That was a substantial set of money. Bonds were issued. Today we are trying to complete the process by attempting to settle with the Francis family for the lands that were acquired for Roebuck."

Dr. Anthony said it is critical that government meets its payments for several reasons.

“I believe that the House should support this resolution for the good of the state because if we leave it, outstanding interest payments accumulate. Secondly its unfair especially if we are acquiring the properties of our own nationals that we leave them in abeyance. They’re being deprived of their lands, they can’t do anything so we have to find [a way] to ensure that we pay them."

Payments will be made to Marie Ann Cecelia Francis and the estate of Oliver Caliste Nicholas Francis.

Government is raising funds for this payment by issuing savings bonds.