Christmas Work Payment Delays: Government Under Fire. Many Jamaicans expressed shock and awe when news about payment delays in the Christmas work program circulated on social media. Some even swear they never saw anything like it and blamed the government.
The sensational criticisms about the Christmas Work Payment Delay that followed forced the government to issue a response.
Minister of Works Robert Morgan blamed the payment delays on the issues of late submissions of bills. Plus, incomplete work by some contractors.
The program that funds clean-up and restoration projects across constituencies faces criticisms from the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP).
The PNP criticized the government over Christmas work payment delays
The PNP accused the government of failing to deliver its promises, with Opposition Spokesman for Road and Works Richard Azan. And called for immediate payments and transparency.
“These workers have completed their tasks in good faith, yet they are left unpaid during what should be a season of joy. The government must honor its commitments,” Azan stated in a news release.
Minister Morgan noted that some contractors associated with specific constituencies submitted their bills late. At the same time, many did not submit any bills at all.
He emphasized that the National Works Agency must validate all completed work to ensure that payments are made based on the actual services rendered.
While speaking with Observer Online, Minister Morgan noted the next:
“In some cases, the payments were requested, and when agents looked at the validation, they found that the work done did not justify the payment requested.”
Morgan accused Azan of playing politics with the Christmas work payment delays
Morgan said Azan was aware that there were persons among his membership who did not submit their documents on time. He also said some did not submit their programs on time.
Additionally, the minister emphasized that the government would not pay for work that was not completed.
Morgan Clapped back at Azan
Taking a political shot at Azan for criticizing the Christmas work Payment delays, Morgan said:
“I suspect Mr. Azan may want to advise some of his colleagues to engage themselves in some procurement and accountability training. This would help those who may not have been able to complete or submit the thing properly can do so in the future,” said Morgan.
He outlined measures to improve contractors’ understanding of procurement rules and document submission processes. This would prevent similar delays in the future.
He congratulated and commended those who worked on the project. And announced plans for a post-holiday assessment to streamline the program.