The Government is moving to institutionalise the National Partnership Council (NPC) with the first step being the creation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) that will guide the body.

This was disclosed by Senator Dana Morris Dixon during a ministerial statement in the Senate on Friday.

Noting that the Council has existed since the mid-2000s in one form or another, Morris Dixon said it was important to note that successive Prime Ministers have continued the work and the commitment to social partnership.

“The social partnership has therefore become an important part of the governance framework of our country.

“It is therefore important that we start to institutionalise elements of this partnership,” the Government senator said.

She added that “In that vein, we are developing a Terms of Reference for the National Partnership Council. We plan to have the draft completed by the end of the financial year”

Morris Dixon explained that the TOR will clarify matters such as the frequency of meetings of the Council and its committee, how members are appointed, matters relating to quorum, the scope of the NPC and other details. She said The Partnership Agreement of 2022 will serve as the basis for this institutionalisation of the Council.

Morris Dixon said that using the appropriate channels, she will work with all partners to ensure that there is consensus on what the partnership institution should be.

She noted that a national partnership plays a pivotal role in national transformation by pooling diverse resources, expertise, and perspectives together to address the multifaceted challenges that a country faces.

Said the senator: “No single entity or sector, regardless of its resources, can single-handedly drive significant change on a broad scale. Governments, despite our regulatory power, require the innovation and efficiency of the private sector. Similarly, the private sector benefits immensely from the structured frameworks and policies set by governments. By bridging these divides, partnerships ensure that policies are not only robust and comprehensive, but also pragmatic and implementable”.

Continuing, Morris Dixon said “partnerships, especially those that include civil society and community organisations, ensure that the transformation process is inclusive and equitable. They serve as a platform for marginalised voices to be heard and integrated into the national agendas, ensuring that policies cater to the widest demographic possible, including the most vulnerable. This inclusivity is critical for fostering national unity and trust”.

She made the statement against the background of National Partnership Day that was observed on October 25.

“We were reminded of the collective spirit, unity, and shared vision that bind the people of Jamaica. This day was not just a date on our calendar; it became a symbol of our nation’s journey, the testament of our shared endeavours, and the promise of our united future. National Partnership Day underscores Jamaica’s enduring legacy – that our strength lies not just in the beauty of our landscapes or the rhythm of our music, but in the harmony of our partnerships. These are the partnerships that exist between our government agencies, our businesses, civil societies, churches, communities, and every individual who calls this beautiful island home,” said Morris Dixon.