The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is calling for a review of all Government boards and declared it felt compelled to reiterate its tremendous “concern and disappointment in the governance of public resources”, amid recurring reports of alleged impropriety on public boards.

In a statement, the PSOJ noted that the nation had recently learnt of allegations related to the Nutrition Products Limited (NPL) and the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), and is not hearing that there may be another instance of misuse of public funds at the Clarendon Alumina Production (CAP).

“These are the incidents that have been reported in a matter of weeks; there have been many other major cases over the years. We await more information to better understand what happened in each situation so as to determine how to avoid repetition,” the PSOJ said.

“These recurring incidents serve only to erode the public’s confidence in our leaders and increase mistrust in the governance of our country, furthering perceptions of corruption.”

According to the PSOJ, much of the provision of critical goods and services to Jamaicans is done through public bodies, including water, housing, health and petrol.

“It has become increasingly apparent that the existing governance structures need review and board members need proper training in their fiduciary responsibilities i.e. their fundamental responsibility to act in the best interest of the organization,” the PSOJ said.

“Similarly, government ministers must fully understand that the duties of loyalty and care of a director are to the public body as opposed to the minister.

“We call for an urgent review of all boards by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and portfolio ministers to ensure that all boards fulfil the specified competency requirements and for all directors of public boards to be adequately trained, so that there is full understanding of their duties, responsibilities and accountability.

“Areas of particular concern are conflict of interest and procurement. We also call for the Code of Conduct for Boards to be finalised and implemented and for increased clarity in the relationship between public sector boards and ministries so that all participants and the public are clear as to their responsibilities.

“While it is frustrating to issue statements on the same subject matter to little or no avail, we must reiterate the call made last year and a few weeks ago by the PSOJ and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce along with other private sector associations and members of civil society for the government to urgently pass the Public Bodies Management and Accountability (Nomination, Selection and Appointment to Boards) Regulations, as these regulations are a foundational element in the public sector corporate governance structure.

“We are disappointed with the lack of urgency displayed by the Government and the length of time it has taken for these regulations to progress through the legislative process. As the Parliament has recently demonstrated, quick action can be taken when the matter is considered critical. The passage of the regulations must be prioritised and a timeline for completion communicated publicly.

“There are scores of competent Jamaicans who are trained and willing to serve their country through board participation and leadership and who will be responsible custodians of the assets of the Jamaican people.”