Gov't reviewing public sector rationalisation agenda

Finance Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke, has indicated that a review is currently underway of the Government's agenda for the rationalisation of public bodies.

Speaking this morning at a Labour Market Forum organised by the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the Inter-American Development Bank, Clarke said that Jamaica's approximately 190 public bodies are unmanageable for a country of its size and resources.

He said within the next six weeks the necessary consultations will be held towards establishing an accelerated timetable for the rationalisation exercise.

“This timetable will consider all of the opportunities that are present with respect to divestment of public sector companies that have a commercial focus but which are not necessary for government to carry out their key functions; merging public sector entities where they perform similar key functions, in order to achieve more effective delivery of service; and re-integrating public bodies into their parent ministries where they no longer require the status of a public entity in body corporate form to carry out their mandate,” Clarke said in a statement issued by the finance ministry.

He said the revised agenda will be integrated into Jamaica’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He emphasised that “we are not waiting for the IMF’s next Review to do this. Consistent with the approach we require for a post-IMF era we will do what needs to be done to secure our economic independence together, without prodding from anyone.”

“The sheer number of public bodies compromises the ability for effective parliamentary oversight, reflection, and review required for good governance. Furthermore, to the extent that with thought and imagination we could do with fewer public bodies it means that we are absorbing resources in time and money that could be deployed elsewhere thereby making our economy more efficient,” the finance minister said.

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