KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is demanding an explanation from the Government following the reassignment of Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison to a newly established Ministry of Mining and Geology.
Morrison, who has served in Jamaica’s Ministry of Finance for 37 years and held the position of Financial Secretary since 2018, was reassigned effective Monday, November 2.
Lorris Jarrett, previously a Deputy Financial Secretary responsible for the Public Expenditure Division, has taken over the position.
Opposition Spokesperson on Finance Julian Robinson has questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision, describing the reassignment as a demotion and demanding greater transparency from the administration of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The Opposition has raised concerns about the timing of the move, particularly as the Government enters an important period of budget preparation.
The PNP is also seeking clarification on whether Morrison was accused of misconduct, whether an investigation was conducted and whether she was given an opportunity to respond to any allegations.
Another issue raised concerns the possible relationship between the reassignment and disagreements surrounding the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), particularly its powers and relationship with existing financial legislation.
The development has renewed debate about the treatment of senior public servants, government accountability and the importance of due process within Jamaica’s public administration.
