Opposition Senator Damion Crawford has sought to defend Auditor General Pamela Munroe Ellis following the Prime Minister’s criticism of her latest performance audit report on the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

The audit found that the NSHP, which was introduced in 2019, has a function similar to the Social Housing Programme (SHP), which was introduced earlier.

According to the report, the Social Housing Programme was allocated over 677 million dollars between 2018 and 2024, while the NSHP was allocated 3.4 billion dollars over the same period.

The report said both programmes are administered by separate units within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and have similarities.

However, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has maintained that the NSHP is different from other housing programmes.

He expressed concern about the AG’s report and rejected the findings, publicly.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, speaking at the handing over of housing units under the NSHP in St. James, last Friday.

In response to Mr. Holness’ criticism of the report, Senator Crawford said he decided to defend the Auditor General.

He was speaking at the presentation of Danishka Williams as the People’s National Party’s candidate for South West St. Ann, in Cave Valley last night.