Jamaica’s current system of government, inherited from our colonial masters, accords to the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet only final decision-making authority for all matters affecting local communities. The Minister of Local Government effectuates the directives and budgetary allocations made by the Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet through Municipal Authorities, and is the primary resource on local governance in the Cabinet. Since obtaining self-government in 1962, this arrangement has not provided the robust institutional support at community level needed for optimal development of an under-educated and under-resourced post-colonial populace. The frustrations, anxieties and social tensions arising have only increased over the period, mollified only by the relief valve of immigration and diaspora support. A new governance structure that ensures optimal development of the Jamaican person is necessary.
An Administrative Branch of Government
To establish, operationalize and coordinate the institutions and systems necessary for optimal development of every Jamaican at the community level will require a multi-faceted, efficient and accountable bureaucracy that encompasses the wide range of services provided by multiple government ministries and agencies, and interfaces with civil society organizations where necessary. A constitutionally designated branch of government staffed by technocrats with expertise in various aspects of government services and dedicated to the delivery of services through institutions streamlined to community level is required. This new Branch of Government, the Administrative Branch, would be comprised of Ministries of Government, Statutory Bodies, and a new local government authority – Local Administrative and Governance Authority. The Administrative Branch would receive policy directives from and be answerable to the Cabinet, and would be subject to laws promulgated by the House of Representatives. The Administrative Branch would be headed by a Secretary of Administration, 3 Deputy Secretaries for each Arm – Ministries, Statutory Bodies and the Local Administrative and Governance Authority, and Permanent Secretaries for each Ministry.
Part 2 – The portfolio, budgetary allocations and financial ramifications of the Administrative Branch, and other structural changes to Government.