KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Government to provide a full explanation for the reassignment of Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison, raising concerns about transparency and the circumstances surrounding the decision.

In a statement issued Monday, the party questioned the move, which sees Morrison transferred from the Ministry of Finance to serve as permanent secretary in the newly established Ministry of Mining and Geology, effective Monday. Lorris Jarrett has been named as her replacement.

The PNP argued that changes involving senior public servants must be accompanied by clear public justification, particularly when they affect critical positions within the Government.

The party noted that the financial secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant below the Cabinet secretary and plays a central role in preparing the national budget. It expressed concern that the reassignment comes during the budget call period, when continuity and stability are especially important.

Describing the transfer as a demotion carried out without charge or hearing, the PNP pointed to the difference in job classifications, noting that the financial secretary and Cabinet secretary are ranked at EMG 6, while permanent secretaries are classified at EMG 5.

Opposition Spokesperson on Finance Julian Robinson questioned the justification for the decision, citing Morrison’s decades of service.

“Ms Morrison has served over 37 years at the Ministry of Finance, including eight years as financial secretary, under successive administrations. She was at the ministry’s head during the touted economic and fiscal improvements, so what then explains this reassignment?” Robinson asked.

He called on the Government to disclose the “real reasons” behind the move, raising several questions about what may have prompted the decision.

“Was there a breakdown with the minister of finance? Did she raise concerns about NARRA’s (National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority) powers and a conflict with the Financial Administration and Audit Act? Was the new ministry created to facilitate her transfer and avoid legal action like that brought by a former permanent secretary? Jamaicans deserve clarity, not concealment,” he said.

Robinson also challenged the Government to explain the establishment of another ministry, questioning the additional administrative costs at a time when the administration has indicated its intention to contain public expenditure.