Cite widespread stakeholder concerns and call for urgent dialogue or time-bound Joint Select Committee

We, the undersigned 28 civil society organisations and individuals, are raising serious concerns about the limited scope of engagement surrounding the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill currently before Parliament, amid growing unease from multiple stakeholders.

The Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) formally submitted detailed concerns and recommendations to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Leader of the Opposition on March 30, 2026. To date, no response has been received from the OPM, leaving uncertainty as to whether these submissions are being meaningfully considered in the parliamentary process.

Concerns about the Bill have also been raised more broadly in the public domain. These include commentary in the media, as well as statements from the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica; Mrs Marlene Malahoo Forte, former Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs and Attorney General; and several members of the Opposition. Despite this range of perspectives, there has been little indication within the parliamentary debate that these concerns are being substantively engaged. The tone of the debate thus far appears more focused on defending the Bill than on constructively addressing legitimate critiques and alternative proposals.

In light of these shortcomings, we are calling for the immediate convening of a genuine multi-stakeholder dialogue. Written submissions from all relevant stakeholder groups should be accepted within the next two weeks, followed by structured discussions over one to two days to fully interrogate the issues raised.

Should the Government not facilitate such a process, we support the establishment of a Joint Select Committee, as recommended by the Leader of the Opposition. This committee must be strictly time-bound, with deliberations and recommendations completed within six weeks.

While we recognise the urgency of advancing legislation to support post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction and long-term national resilience, expediency must not come at the expense of good governance.

In the joint submission by JET and JFJ, they highlighted several critical concerns with the Bill in its current form, including the highly centralised, CEO-driven structure with insufficient independent oversight; weak provisions for transparency, accountability, and public participation; the absence of a clearly defined governing board with delineated responsibilities; and inadequate safeguards to ensure long-term resilience, environmental protection, and public trust.

We remain committed to engaging constructively with all stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation reflects the best interests of the Jamaican people, upholds constitutional principles, safeguards the environment, and supports inclusive and sustainable national resilience.

Signed by:

1. Groots Jamaica
2. ⁠Judith Wedderburn
3. ⁠Advocates Network
4. ⁠Wake Up Jamaica
5. ⁠Stand Up for Jamaica
6. ⁠Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal
7. ⁠Jamaicans for Justice
8. ⁠Jamaica Environment Trust
9. ⁠National Integrity Action
10. ⁠Carol Narcisse
11. ⁠Indi McLymont Lafayette
12. ⁠Dr Paul Wright
13. ⁠Mark “Renaissance” Cameron
14. ⁠Clarence Reynolds, Diaspora Voice
15. ⁠Emma Lewis, Freelance Writer/blogger, environmental advocate
16. ⁠Michael O. Heron, President of FORGED By Time Limited
17. Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM)
18. ⁠Linnette Vassell
19. ⁠Roseanne Ware
20. ⁠Anna Kasafi Perkins
21. ⁠Jennifer Jones
22. ⁠Madge Foreman
23. ⁠Lorna Green
24. Carolyn Gomes
25. Professor Carol Archer
26. Hilary Nicholson
27. Dr. Mario Woode
28. Shirnet Bailey