Holness Appoints Antony Anderson as NaRRA CEO. Labor Party members expressed their delight after Prime Minister Holness appointed Antony Anderson to lead the newly established government entity. They creatively named it NaRRA. However, some members of the opposition are unhappy and do not understand why PM Holness continues to support Antony Anderson. One Labor Party member pointed out that the Prime Minister has the right to select whoever he believes is suitable for any position.
Anderson is currently Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States. He will assume duties as Chief Executive Officer of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), on June 1. Holness made the announcement at a special post-cabinet press briefing on Monday, May 25.
Ironically, PM Holness said Anderson’s appointment came at a critical stage in Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery and reconstruction program. He said the Government is moving to accelerate the recovery, while maintaining strong systems of accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline.
Still, despite the PM’s carefully crafted feel good speech, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. In fact, after more than one year since Hurricane Melissa, people are still housed beneath tarpaulins. Furthermore, the Auditor General confirmed that of the billions of dollars Jamaica received for recovery work, less than 2% is documented.
The Holness Administration is good at naming new Government entities.
Under Andrew Holness’ leadership, the Jamaica Labor Party scores A when it comes to naming new entities. When it comes to delivering on promises, they fail miserably.
The Government established NaRRA to coordinate and advance Jamaica’s national reconstruction and resilience agenda. Its mandate includes supporting the timely delivery of significant infrastructure, social, and economic recovery projects across various sectors.
Anderson commented on his appointment, stating, “The passage of Hurricane Melissa and the resulting financial arrangements have allowed us to pursue national development on an unprecedented scale and with greater speed.”
Anderson highlighted that, having led large national institutions during times of crisis and recently chairing Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Beryl Disaster Risk Management Review Committee, he is equipped to offer the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiduciary management needed to effectively implement the NaRRA mandate on a large scale.