The Watchman Church Leaders Alliance (WCLA) acknowledges the urgent national need for a modern and effective disaster recovery and reconstruction framework capable of responding rapidly to crises affecting Jamaica.

In the aftermath of increasingly severe climate-related events and national emergencies, Jamaica cannot afford unnecessary bureaucratic paralysis when lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic stability are at stake.

The country requires mechanisms that can mobilise resources quickly, coordinate implementation efficiently, and restore critical systems with urgency and competence. We affirm that while the need for speed is real, speed alone cannot become the defining principle of governance. As Scripture reminds us: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” — Proverbs 21:5.

We therefore urge as follows:

• That the proposed governance, accountability and approval arrangements be upgraded from notable inadequacies, to language and provisions that match universal requirements for acceptable accountability, safety and transparency. Our ask is for a board within NaRRA to strengthen internal accountability
• That existing Whistleblowing freedom not be constrained by new secrecy provisions, as that is a part of accountability management with current legal protections
• That rules and oversight arrangements be legally embedded to avoid the risk of doubts and interpretation issues
• That the focus of NaRRA remain primarily on the issues arising from the hurricane and that other matters be addressed through a broader review and modernisation of the current legal arrangements.
• That non-emergency cases be subject to appraisal-scrutiny to ensure economic efficiency and best use of public funds
• That citizens and affected communities be assured in final legislation, that their rights to fair
• That treatment, environmental accountability, and recourse through the courts will not be weakened or bypassed where disputes arise
• Convincing meaningful bipartisan engagement as an urgent partnership in the “before and after” review and monitoring, as a representation imperative based on the nature of the initiative
• The inclusion of constructive dialogue with civil society, the private sector, the Church, and constitutional experts to ensure that the final framework reflects both urgency and wisdom.

The WCLA recognises and commends the legitimate policy objective behind the proposed National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) — namely, the creation of an implementation-focused institution capable of accelerating recovery and national rebuilding efforts.

National reconstruction however must be rooted in public trust and collective national ownership. In this regard, Scripture further teaches: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14.

True resilience is built not only through roads, bridges, and infrastructure, but through institutions that are credible, balanced, transparent, and worthy of public confidence.