INDIVIDUAL ministerial responsibility is a fundamental constitutional principle in the Westminster parliamentary system to which Jamaica adheres. This constitutional principle postulates that ministers are responsible to Parliament and their country for their individual conduct as well as the proper functioning of their assigned ministry. Ministerial responsibility is thus central to the parliamentary system, because it ensures the accountability of the Government to the legislature and thus, ultimately, to the population.

This convention has, in recent times, seemingly taken a back seat in the Jamaican political climate as more and more instances of government shortcomings are revealed, whether it is in the form individual decorum or the dwindling ability of ministers to organise their ministries to perform at optimal levels for the greater good of the country.

The chikungunya epidemic which is alleged to have resulted in numerous deaths, the reoccurring fires at the Riverton dump causing closure of schools and businesses, and ministers blatantly failing to exercise basic social etiquette and guard their public utterrances are prime examples of an eroding sense of ministerial responsibility within our nation state.

Ministerial responsibility lies at the heart of our democracy and it remains central to the way in which the Jamaican society is governed, as such ministers must behave in a way that upholds the highest standards of propriety. A strong democracy can only be a legitimate label if those elected in positions of power manifest the roles associated with such responsibilities.

Politicians must be trustworthy, incorruptible and administrate in the interest of the masses that vested them with the political authority to do so. In safeguarding the essence of this doctrine, proper rigorous scrutiny and accountability must become an important feature of our political structure. In addition, Parliament must be impartial in its ability to force a minister’s resignation if he or she fails to perform in delegated roles.

It is of paramount importance that our Jamaican ministers commit themselves to the principles of this doctrine as it underscores the significance of the trust we place in those who undertake these responsibilities on our behalf. Every Jamaican has a right to expect that these service providers carry out their duties while being mindful of those to whom they are, in essence, employed: all citizens. It must be realized that individual ministerial responsibility is vital in positively changing social culture, providing better service to local communities, lifting economic performance, and enabling a stronger more efficient government, which will enable Jamaica to achieve the mission of Vision 2030 as being the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.

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