KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of National Security, Robert Montague today announced the launch of the Security Programme Oversight Committee (SECURIPOC) to hold himself, the ministry, its departments and agencies (MDAs) accountable.

According to a release from the ministry today, the initiative is a step for citizens to be involved and contribute to the crafting and evaluation of implementation strategies and plans developed by the ministry.

It added that the committee comprises 15 members from academia, the trade union movement, the private sector, community, faith based and other organisations will be responsible for monitoring the compliance and progress of the MDAs in relation to implementation of their key performance indicators and make recommendations to the minister.

Speaking at the launch, held at the ministry’s head office, Montague said as a servant of the people, he must be held accountable.

 “People are asking if I am calling down oversight on myself and the answer is yes! As a servant to the people, somebody must hold my feet to the fire,” argued Montague.

  In a move to adopt a bipartisan approach to treating with crime, the minister extended an invitation to Opposition Spokesman on National Security, Peter Bunting, to be a member of the committee and to add his voice.

“I am hopeful that Mr Bunting will accept the invitation because I would want him to add his opposing voice so that the rest of the country will get the signal that we are serious about crime,” the minister said.

  He maintained that it is not an oversight committee of the police but a committee for the national security architecture, including all agencies adding that it is the whole of ministry, inter-agency co-operation.

          The key roles and functions of the committee are:

•       To receive and review information from the ministry, its departments and agencies on the progress of implementation of key performance indicators

•       Monitor the compliance and progress of the ministry  in relation to implementation

•       Assist in ensuring the agreed targets are achieved and advise the minister of concerns or developments

•        Make recommendations to the minister of national security on key performance areas  and

•       Review and make recommendations concerning the desire of the ministry to increase the active participation of citizens.

   The committee includes:

1. Peter Moses (Chairman)

2. Doreen Frankson (Deputy Chair)

3.  Lisamae Gordon (Secretary)

4. Lee Issa

5. Fredrik Moe

6. Kevin O’Brian Chang

7. Kavita Johnson

8. Dr Maitland Evans

9.  Wesley Nelson

10. Mayor Richard Creary

11. Egeton Newman

12. Ian Haughton

13. D’Jamila Ward

14. Sarah Newland

15. Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee