Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess has declared that the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill in its current form is dangerously flawed.

According to Jess in a press release, while the need for urgent reconstruction after Hurricane Melissa is not disputed, the Bill strips away essential safeguards and creates “a free for all with billions of public dollars.”

Jess argued that the Bill contains several critical weaknesses and that a joint select committee was needed urgently to review it comprehensively.

Pointing to clause 18, which requires the Authority to develop programmes and “identify all relevant persons involved and their respective roles in the delivery of the programme” for submission to Cabinet, Jess warned that this provision is a carte blanche for political victimisation, allowing the government to weed out anyone perceived as not on their side.

She also highlighted that the Bill allows the Authority to delegate functions to “any person”, calling it a dangerously open-ended provision that could permit private individuals to make major procurement decisions without accountability.

Furthermore, she said the auditor is appointed by the Chief Executive Officer with Cabinet secretary approval, arguing that this places selection of the watchdog in the hands of those being watched.

The Opposition spokesperson on justice also questioned why the Bill fails to provide for the inclusion in the Register, particulars concerning project budgets, funding arrangements, contractors and professionals to be engaged. Without this information, public accountability is impossible, Jess said.

“The Opposition supports reconstruction, but not at the expense of good governance. The people of Jamaica deserve an effort that is efficient, honest, transparent, and free from political interference,” Jess said.