Picture of L. Robert Honeyghan

Mr L. Robert Honeyghan

General Manager

Urban Development Corporation (UDC)

Picture of Norman Brown

Norman Brown

Chairman

Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ)

Picture of Andrew Holness

Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP

Minister with Portfolio: Office of the Prime Minister & Economic Growth and Job Creation

Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)

Picture of Arlene Williams

Mrs Arlene Williams, CD, JP

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC)

Overview

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) was established by the Urban Development Act of 1968 and it plays a critical role in advancing Jamaica’s sustainable and holistic urban development. The main activity of the Corporation is to undertake urban and rural renewal, while safeguarding natural resources and promoting economic advancement in specific areas designated by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ).

During the 2025/26 financial year, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will continue to play a pivotal role in transforming Jamaica’s urban centres and rural towns. In alignment with its mandate for urban development, the UDC will advance several major projects, including the Hellshire Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion, Portmore Resilience Park, Kingston Harbour Walk, and the Montego Bay Southern Groyne. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, promote environmental resilience, and improve public spaces.

The UDC forecasts a net surplus of $1,248.06 million for the budget year. To achieve its target, the UDC staff and Board must uphold strong corporate governance. Let’s take a look at their progress!

Key Compliance Results

Indicators

Findings

Board with requisite skills as per the Competency Profile

Chairperson is not sitting more than two consecutive terms

Chairperson that chairs no more than two other public boards

Board with a minimum of 30% male members

Board with a minimum of 30% female members

Current board retained at least 3 members or a third of previous board

Board Charter (which includes conflict of interest provisions)

Non-Executive Independent Chair

Trained Corporate Secretary

Annual board training (in procurement, risk management, etc.)

Annual board evaluation

Board processes are executed (AGM, Annual Calenders, Meeting Frequency, Filings at Companies Office, etc.)

Board minutes are transmitted to the Permanent Secretary

Information & Disclosure policy

Internal auditor that reports to board through Audit Committee

Audit Committee with Terms of Reference

Audit Committee with three or more members including a qualified accountant/persons possessing expertise in finance

Audit Committee that does not include the Board Chair

Audit Committee that excludes the Procurement Committee Chair

Procurement Committee that rotates members every three years

Independent Chair of Procurement Committee (not chaired by Finance Director)

Board procedures in place regarding procurement oversight

Trained Procurement Committee

Annual Procurement Plan

Annual Report to the Responsible Minister submitted within 4 months of the end of the entity's financial year

Annual Board-Approved Corporate Plan in place by Nov 30 (must include strategic objectives, budget and work plan)

Annual Report tabled in Parliament within six (6) months of the entity's financial year

Minister issued Statement of Corporate Expectation to board

Chair and Responsible Minister met at least twice yearly to discuss Agency performance and emerging issues

Corporate Social Responsibility Framework (including Donations Policy)

Code of Ethics with conflict-of-interest provisions

Staff that are trained in Code of Ethics

Whistle Blowing Policy

Enterprise Risk Management Policy

Indicators

Findings

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$3 TRILLION+
not accounted for

HELP US HOLD OUR GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT!

Governance is too important to be left solely to our politicians. Send a letter to your MP and to the Parliament letting them know where you stand.

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