Building owner gets $2.5 million for modifications and new air conditioning

While the Government struggles to fund the island's Budget and crucial sectors face financial shortfalls, and families are forced to cut back on expenditure, at least one ministry has spent more than $8 million to refurbish and redecorate its suite of offices.

The Sunday Gleaner captures the cost and elegance of the Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett's New Kingston office. Based on the state of the island's economy, should a cap be placed on the expenditure for public-office renovations? Dr Jean Dixon, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, believes setting a cap would be an effective way to curb such spending.

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Suite cents

Chairs:

Executive leather chair for Bartlett

(Stationery and offices supplies)- $77,046

Eight executive chairs for conference room - $96,000

Blinds: Wooden blinds:(Blinds and Things)- $126,696

Fabric blinds:(Regency Blinds)- $18,532

Furniture Re-upholstery and Refinishing:

Thelyn's Custom Interiors - $98,550

L.P. Azar Limited - $99,725

Artistic Woodcraft - $263,758

Decorative painting: by Andrew Thompson - $16,600

Paint - True Value $7,041.01

Re-uplholstery, woodwork, fabric - $462,033

Services

NWA's project manager's fee - $422,403

Interior design consultation services - $220,000

C P Specialist Limited - $3,971,205

Jamaica Property Company Limited - $2,417,289.13

Jamaica Property Company Limited - $2,224.20

Eight executive chairs - $96,000

Grand total: $7,837,069.34