KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has added its voice to those calling for greater levels of transparency and accountability in the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill which is presently being debated in the Senate.

The bill was passed in an early morning vote in the House of Representatives last week Wednesday along strict party lines with the Opposition not supporting it.

When approved by the Senate, the NaRRA Act will allow for the setting up of the body to be known as the NaRRA that will drive reconstruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The influential JCC, in a statement, said it has taken note of the ongoing national discussion surrounding the NaRRA Bill.

“As a fellowship of Christian communions committed to the moral, spiritual and social well-being of the nation, the council recognises the urgent necessity of strengthening Jamaica’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, climate vulnerability, infrastructure damage, and community displacement. Recent experiences, particularly following Hurricane Melissa and other severe weather events have underscored the need for coordinated and resilient national reconstruction mechanisms,” said the JCC.

But, it said it “respectfully believes that moments of national emergency must not weaken the principles of accountability, transparency, consultation, and justice upon which democratic societies depend”.

“The biblical witness reminds us that rebuilding after a crisis is not merely an engineering or administrative task, but also a moral undertaking. In the rebuilding narratives of the Book of Nehemiah and Book of Ezra, reconstruction was accompanied by public accountability, stewardship of resources, consultation with the people, and careful oversight of those entrusted with authority,” the council added.

In this regard, it is encouraging the Government and Senate to ensure that the proposed legislation contains strong and independent oversight mechanisms; transparent procurement and reporting procedures; protection against conflicts of interest; meaningful consultation with affected communities; clear environmental safeguards; and equitable protections for vulnerable citizens.

The JCC emphasised that it is not opposed to reconstruction, resilience-building or administrative efficiency.

“Rather, we affirm that national rebuilding must inspire public trust and reflect the ethical values of fairness, stewardship and accountability,” the council said.

“At this critical juncture, we encourage continued national dialogue before final approval of the legislation,” it continued while noting that laws enacted during periods of urgency often shape national life for generations.

“It is therefore essential that such legislation commands broad public confidence and reflects the collective wisdom of the Jamaican people,” the council added.