NET calls for FAA Act changes to fast-track payment for emergency school repairs

Jamaica’s legislators are being urged to amend the Financial Administration and Audit Act (FAA Act) to enable faster payments to contractors engaged in emergency construction such as the repairing schools damaged in Hurricane Melissa.

Executive Director of the National Education Trust (NET), Latoya Harris Ghartey said while the Procurement Act has been revised to allow for emergency mobilisation, its intent is being hampered by payment delays to contractors.

“I think the gap that I have seen, really, is with the Financial Administration and Audit Act, where basically we have engaged contractors on the emergency circumstances, but the payment mechanism to support that has not followed through. So, I think that’s the area where I personally will recommend the policy change,” she said.