Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Agriculture minister Roger Clarke has sought to defend the allocation of just over $44 million to the Nature Preservation Foundation (NPF).

Responding to questions posed in the House of Representatives by his opposition counterpart J.C. Hutchinson, Clarke said the allocation is the government's contribution toward the operation of the Hope Gardens and Zoo in St Andrew.

In 2004, the non-profit organisation entered into a 49-year lease agreement with the Government for the operation of the properties.

The foundation pays a yearly rent of $1,000.

Clarke said the NPF is not seeking to make a profit.

He said the entity has an interest in helping to restore the recreational spot to its glory days.

Hutchinson, who served as state minister of agriculture in the last government, questioned why the state did not run the facility instead of passing on the money to NPF.

But he was heckled by government members.

He was also encouraged by fellow opposition member of parliament Everald Warmington to take his seat and ask no further questions on the matter.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com