PNP caretaker calls for Auditor General probe into $244m Annotto Bay Coastal project
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker for St Mary South East, Christopher Brown is calling for full transparency and an independent investigation into the recently reported completion of the Annotto Bay Coastal Protection Project.
According to the PNP, the project, reportedly finalised at significant public cost, has been causing disquiet among residents upon learning of the sum reportedly expended towards the overall project execution.
“While every effort to protect the people of Annotto Bay from the escalating impact of climate change is welcomed, we must ensure that such interventions are carried out with integrity, efficiency, and full accountability,” Brown stated. “The people of South East St Mary deserve to know how both their tax dollars as well as donor funds are being spent, and whether they are truly getting the protection and infrastructure that was promised and needed.”
According to the PNP, the project was reportedly completed at a cost of some J$244 million, yet, constituents are expressing confusion about the scope and value of the actual work done.
The Opposition said in light of the significant funding allocated and expended, it is imperative that the Government, through the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and other responsible agencies, provide a full, public report detailing:
- The total cost of the Annotto Bay Coastal Protection Project
- The procurement process used to select sub contractors and service providers
- Independent verification of the work completed
- Community consultation and engagement throughout the process
Brown added, “We cannot allow critical climate resilience projects to become vehicles for political showmanship and cronyism, financial malfeasance and unmonitored expenditure. The stakes are too high, lives, livelihoods, and the long-term sustainability of our communities depend on proper governance.”
Brown is urging the Office of the Auditor General to immediately initiate a probe into the project’s execution and financing. He also calls on the prime minister and minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to address the public directly and transparently on this matter.
“Transparency is not optional, it is the foundation of trust,” Brown said. “The people of Annotto Bay and all Jamaicans deserve no less.”
