Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday reiterated that he will continue to oversee the Ministry of Energy but made it clear that the Ministry of Science and Technology has not been moved to his office.

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) issued the clarification after the State news agency, Jamaica Information Service, had earlier reported that Holness had assumed responsibility for the science and technology portfolios.

The OPM news release also stated that Holness continues his review of boards from the Ministry of Science and Technology as well as the Ministry of Energy yesterday.

“Prime Minister Holness had previously stated that he maintains oversight of the Science and Technology Ministry for at least two weeks while he reviews the boards, systems and procedures,” the news release said.

According to the OPM, Holness, in his address to board members of the relevant entities, thanked them for their service to Jamaica and stressed the importance of all boards functioning with transparency, probity, and accountability.

“The prime minister reminded the board members of the importance of review in order to ensure that policy guidelines are followed and that the actions of the boards and the entities fall within the governance framework established by the Government,” OPM said.

The boards with which Holness has met include the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, Government Electrical Regulator, Joint Task Force – Petrojam Refinery Upgrade Project, eGov, Scientific Research Council, Postal Corporation of Jamaica, National Energy Solutions Limited, and the Spectrum Management Authority.