Prime Minister Andrew Holness is now making steps to ensure everyone has a clear understanding as to the role of government ministers. With the introduction of written job descriptions, the prime minister is hoping for more accountability from his ministers.

It's a start

Opposition says job description tabled by PM lacks accountability framework

21 Jun 2023/Kimone Francis/ Senior Staff Reporter

THE PARLIAMENTARY Opposition has described Prime Minister Andrew Holness’tabling of a white paper detailing the job description for government ministers as “a start” but said the independence and effectiveness of the legislature is what will ultimately hold them accountable.

Holness yesterday tabled the document, along with a green paper, in the Lower House, outlining the expectations for ministers and members of parliament, respectively.

He said consultation began on the documents in 2019 but were disrupted by the onset of COVID-19.

“The country must have a clear sense of what is required for parliamentarians and ministers,” said Holness.

A joint select committee is expected to review, amend and finalise the green paper for policy.

Holness said that the papers set out strategic objectives of the post, its purpose, reporting and accountability framework, the key deliverables and responsibility areas, performance standards, competencies, contacts and working conditions.

“We’re not suggesting anything new or outside our laws and constitutions. However, few people have a full appreciation of what the appointment requires or the election to be a member of parliament requires,” the prime minister said.

“It is hoped that this job description will help members of the public better appreciate and understand the roles and responsibilities of ministers and members of parliament,” he added, following weeks of public protests over the 200 per cent salary increases for the political directorate.

Holness said good governance means holding legislators to the highest standards of conduct and as such, codes of conduct are to be deliberated on and instituted, some 20 years since the country last attempted this.

But opposition legislator Julian Robinson said it will take more that the tabled documents to achieve accountability.

Pointing to Boris Johnson, the former UK prime minister who resigned his MP position earlier this month after a committee determined that he misled the parliament over COVID-19 lockdown parties, Robinson said that that is the kind of accountability a parliament can hold over a member.

“We have adopted the UK system, but we haven’t adopted many of the practices from the UK system. The challenge of parliaments

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