KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party Youth Organization (PNPYO) is rejecting the proposed National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill in its current form, raising concerns about accountability and governance.

The Bill, tabled in response to the widespread devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, seeks to establish a central authority to coordinate and fast-track reconstruction efforts across Jamaica.

In a statement on Saturday, the group questioned support for the legislation by Young Jamaica, while acknowledging the urgency of reconstruction efforts following the hurricane.

The PNPYO argued that the Bill lacks critical checks and balances and could give sweeping powers over significant public funds without adequate safeguards. It pointed to concerns raised by Member of Parliament Peter Bunting, who described the proposal as “a blank cheque without guardrails”.

READ: Bunting blasts NaRRA Bill as ‘fiscal free-for-all’; Seiveright defends rebuild plan

The youth arm also criticised provisions which it said would indemnify officials for actions taken in their roles, with legal costs covered by taxpayers. Opposition Leader Mark Golding was also cited as expressing concern about the Bill.

At the same time, the organisation acknowledged comments from Government Member of Parliament Marlene Malahoo Forte, who called for the legislation to be reviewed, noting that it would not be good practice for oversight responsibilities to rest with those being overseen.

READ: Silence from JLP as MP breaks ranks over NaRRA Bill

The PNPYO is urging lawmakers to reject any version of the Bill that it says concentrates “unaccountable power in the hands of a few”, and is calling on young Jamaicans to advocate for transparency and accountability in governance.