Engineering integrity is Jamaica’s best defence against future disasters

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Major (Ret’d) Antony Anderson’s appointment as CEO of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) has been welcomed by key business groups, citing his integrity, discipline, and record of public service. His emphasis on speed, efficiency, and technology is timely as Jamaica undertakes one of its most significant reconstruction efforts.

However, leadership alone is insufficient. Strong governance, supported by professional integrity and participation, is essential.

Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding programme, valued between US$5 billion and US$10 billion, demands more than a narrow command structure — an approach that has long struggled to adequately serve the island’s town planning, construction standards, and permitting systems.

The NaRRA legislation concentrates significant authority in the hands of the CEO and the responsible minister. This risks legal challenges, delays implementation, and undermines public trust. The Constitutional Court’s ruling in the Bengal Development matter has already shown that decisions overriding technical regulators without clear justification are vulnerable to scrutiny.

For NaRRA to succeed, it must be grounded in broad professional oversight rather than unilateral discretion. Jamaica already has a tested model in its parish councils, which provide checks, balances, and community-level accountability. Instead of bypassing this system, NaRRA should modernise it through electronic plan submissions, real-time comment tracking, and transparent documentation. This is not bureaucracy — it is accountability delivered through technology.

A Professional Multidisciplinary Review Committee — comprising architects, engineers, and environmental professionals — should be established to accelerate approvals, reduce litigation risk, and uphold technical standards.

Reconstruction must also rebuild national capacity by creating training and employment opportunities. Institutions such as UWI, UTech, and vocational centres are critical to skills development, apprenticeship pipelines, and workforce expansion.

Building codes represent minimum standards. Jamaica must rebuild stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

Major Anderson’s appointment presents an opportunity, but NaRRA’s long-term success depends on transparent governance, professional expertise, and shared responsibility.

PATRICK BROWN
Pembroke Pines, Florida