News Bite: NaRRA Act was passed in the lower house

The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority Act was passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday morning, clearing the way for the government to accelerate rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Melissa. Following a marathon debate which ended minutes before 2:00 a.m., the bill was approved with 20 amendments after more than 8 hours of often heated debate which began at Tuesday afternoon and spilled into the night. Opposition leader Mark Golding and his members called multiple division votes, all defeated by the government majority, but secured several amendments arguing the bill needed stronger transparency and accountability provisions. I'm suggesting that the words in the new provision, which is persons affected or likely to be affected by the implementation of a project, could be added as a catch-all to the new provision.

So, it could say discuss projects, programs, and plans with representatives of non-governmental organizations and vulnerable groups including women, persons with the elderly, and children, youth, and any other persons affected or likely to be affected. That's what I was suggesting. But, you're right.

leader's point carries the Government MP Marlene Malahoo Forte also raised concerns during the clause-by-clause review. Clause is now being amended to include the private sector projects. And the register speaks to the name and description of the project. With the inclusion of the private sector side, should it include the developer or those who are behind the private sector project in that register?

The clause the clause indicates that other particulars can be prescribed. All right, I think that is clear. So, these are in relation to the to national strategic projects. I wouldn't I wouldn't specifically put in the legislation that the developer must be included, but the name, the description, and clearly other particulars can be prescribed.

That's that's my view on it. The government insists that the law is necessary for a swift and coordinated response to the estimated 12.2 billion US dollars in damage caused by the hurricane, maintaining that sufficient safeguards are in place. Closing the debate, the Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, sought to ease concerns over oversight while urging cooperation in the national interest.

The NARA will be tasked with leading major reconstruction and developing projects including infrastructure expansion and fast-tracking key investments under the government's Fast Jamaica initiative.