JFJ calls for new public sector appointment procedures

Human rights lobby group Jamaicans For Justice, JFJ is calling for radical changes to the current system of appointing persons to critical public sector positions.



JFJ is batting for parliamentary hearings in the selection of the proposed special prosecutor to fight corruption.



In its submission to a joint select committee of parliament this morning the human rights group raised concerns about the process of appointing persons to key public sector posts.



Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice, Dr Carolyn Gomes wants changes to the process



The draft legislation is intended to establish a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption in both the public and private sectors.



Dr Gomes took issue with the current process of selecting persons for top public sector jobs, charging that it lacked accountability and transparency.



She says the system is vulnerable to political manipulation.



Supporting its proposal for parliamentary hearings in making executive appointments to the public sector, JFJ says the Public Services Commission should conduct a screening process and short-list the top three candidates for the job.



These persons would then be subject to vetting by a sub-committee of parliament before an appointment is made.



The human rights lobby group is also recommending that a provision be included in the bill to make public education on corruption one of the mandates of the office of the special prosecutor.