Dear Readers of Jamaica, 

Notwithstanding the Bridgerton’s ballroom fineries and the spectacle of rodeo-like showings, one must draw forth some substance from this week’s Governor General’s Throne speech, which both signify the commencement of the Parliamentary legislative cycle for the year of our Lord 2026-2027.

All jokes aside, at the recent opening of Parliament, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, the Governor General (GG) stated that the legislative priorities and national agenda for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 will focus on post-Melissa recovery, reconstruction and enhancing the country’s resilience.

 Accordingly, the emphasis on recovery, reconstruction and resilience should be regarded as the principal themes for this year’s Parliament.   What will this recovery, reconstruction and resilience mean for us, the Jamaican citizen?  This question is particularly relevant considering that later the same day (Thursday, February 12, 2026), the Minister of Finance initiated discussions on proposed new tax measures, following ten consecutive fiscal years of “no new taxes”, under the current political administration.  

As we traverse the island—across its hills, valleys, towns, and districts—it becomes clear that the concept of recovery holds different meanings for individuals depending on their circumstances. For the mother of two in Glen Goffe, St. Catherine, recovery signifies receiving care packages with essential food supplies. For a small shopkeeper in Lacovia, St. Elizabeth, it involves obtaining a business grant to restore her enterprise. In Whitehouse, Westmoreland, a fisherman views recovery as securing a loan to replace his 75HP boat engine, while for an entire community in Petersfield, Westmoreland, it means regaining adequate shelter.

Given these varied needs, the government has made substantial adjustments to the current fiscal year’s programmes and budget to provide necessary support for recovery from Hurricane Melissa. Notably, JMD $10 billion has been allocated to the Shelter Recovery Programme. Regardless of political considerations, it is imperative for Jamaican citizens to recognise that remaining in a perpetual state of recovery is unsustainable. Therefore, stakeholders such as the mother, the shopkeeper, and the fisherman should be encouraged to take proactive steps toward improving their own welfare, which may include fulfilling civic responsibilities such as contributing appropriately to the “Sovereignty State”.

Regarding reconstruction, the Governor General indicated that the government’s primary legislative initiative for FY2026-2027 will be the establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). In accordance with government policy, NaRRA will serve as the central mechanism for advancing the country’s reconstruction efforts. The new Authority is designed to ensure Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa is conducted in a manner that promotes enduring “economic opportunity and sustained national strength”. It is imperative that Jamaicans—both domestically and within the diaspora—consider contributing their skills and expertise by participating in NaRRA. 

The reconstruction of “Jamaica Land We Love” should not be regarded solely as the responsibility of the government or political leadership, but as a collective duty shared by every citizen. Furthermore, the work to be undertaken by NaRRA, to rebuild infrastructure and communities within a modern, sustainable framework, ought not be perceived as conspiratorial or negative. Instead, this initiative deserves endorsement as an effort to revitalise Jamaica’s aesthetic image and develop technologically advanced communities.  Therefore, the Authority should benefit significantly from the participation and expertise of Jamaica’s outstanding professionals, whose commitment and ingenuity are essential to strengthening this our “Sovereign State”.

The Governor General references the term “Resilience” twenty-three (23) times within the sixty-three pages of the Throne speech, underscoring its importance for the FY 2026-2027. The Oxford English Dictionary defines resilience as the “capacity to recover quickly after something unpleasant, such as shock or injury”.  In Jamaica’s context, this includes events such as natural disasters, for example, Category Five Hurricane Melissa. The Throne Speech highlights the need for Jamaicans not only to recover and reconstruct following disasters, but also to cultivate a culture of resilience. This entails enhancing agility in responding to external shocks by reengineering processes and procedures. Consequently, public sector planning, budgeting, and organisation must now integrate more robust government policies along with a comprehensive risk management framework.  It is important to encourage our fellow Jamaicans to hold public servants accountable for implementing processes and procedures that promote resilience within the framework of our “Sovereign State”.

From the Governor General’s Throne speech for this legislative and fiscal year, it can be concluded that Jamaicans will be asked to support efforts in recovery, reconstruction, and resilience. Furthermore, there will be opportunities for individuals to contribute not only financial resources but also their expertise and professionalism.

Before I go, I have to say to the members of our Houses of Parliament, prioritise substance over public relations. Therefore, if you want to be taken seriously, you must at least look and act seriously.  Remember the Bible (KJV) says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things”. 1 Corinthians 13:11.

Next time I will tell you what I have to say about this!!!

Vicki Hanson can be contacted at: [email protected]