KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party President Mark Golding is accusing the Government of sidelining the parliamentary Opposition from key decision-making processes related to national recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa, saying the exclusion threatens transparency and public confidence in the measures.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Office of the Leader of Opposition, Golding stressed that the Opposition is not attempting to politicise the situation, but wants improvements in the management and distribution of relief.

“When the Opposition disagrees, it is not to cause trouble but rather for improvement,” he said.

Golding raised concerns about reports that government-funded or donor-funded relief supplies are being distributed through political representatives of the governing party, instead of through established legal channels. He argued that this practice has “no legal or political standing constitutionally to play that role” and risks undermining equity in the response.

“Elected representatives must be included in things that are happening in their constituency,” he said. “You can work together with all stakeholders, including those on the other side of the political fence, to get the best possible solution in a difficult situation. That is not happening.”

Golding also said he has repeatedly attempted to communicate with Prime Minister Andrew Holness regarding these concerns but has received no response.

“I have been bringing these incidents to the attention of the prime minister through WhatsApp. He has not responded to me at all since [the] Saturday before last—10 days ago,” he said, disputing claims by the minister of information that there has been ongoing communication.

Golding further commented on the Government’s decision to introduce legislation creating the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), an agency expected to have broad powers to expedite rebuilding. While acknowledging the need for such an entity, something he said the private sector has advocated for, he cautioned that bypassing normal procedures makes transparency even more critical.

“The prime minister spoke of a broader-based governing structure for this new authority,” Golding said. “I have called for something of that nature, but at his press conference, he made no mention of the Opposition being at the table. I don’t know whether that omission was inadvertent or deliberate.”

He argued that excluding the Opposition, which holds 28 seats in Parliament, risks eroding public trust.

“If we want Jamaica to get back on her feet as quickly as possible… it is important that critical stakeholders be at the table,” he said.

Golding added that the Opposition is also absent from all committees established by the Cabinet, including those with private-sector involvement.

“We are willing to serve, but we are currently being excluded,” he said.