Christopher Cowan Resigns as Opposition Seeks Probe into Jamaica Parliament Staff Departures

The Office of the Services Commissions will ask the Public Service Commission to consider probing the resignation of former Deputy Clerk of Parliament Christopher Cowan and wider staffing concerns at Gordon House, after a request from Opposition Leader Mark Golding. Cowan alleged a contentious workplace and retaliation by the Clerk, raising questions about possible systemic problems in Parliament.

Floyd Green has told Opposition House Leader Phillip Paulwell that the House Committee cannot investigate administrative arrangements, staff contracts or resignations, saying those issues are outside its mandate under Standing Order 71. He said the committee is limited to matters affecting members’ comfort and convenience, and a copy of his response was sent to Speaker Juliet Holness.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has asked the Office of the Services Commission to investigate Deputy Clerk Christopher Cowan’s resignation and allegations of a contentious workplace in Parliament. Cowan’s letter cited denied privileges and a retaliatory management style, while Golding warned that a string of senior departures — about 18 in two years — could disrupt parliamentary operations and continuity.

The People’s National Party is calling for an independent investigation into the resignation of Deputy Clerk Christopher Cowan, saying it is part of a worrying pattern of senior departures from Jamaica’s Parliament. Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Opposition Business Leader Phillip Paulwell have asked for an urgent review of staffing and working conditions, warning that repeated losses could disrupt parliamentary operations.

Former Deputy Clerk to the Houses of Parliament Christopher Cowan resigned with immediate effect, alleging “retaliatory” treatment, repeated undermining, and poor working relations with Clerk Colleen Lowe during his two-year tenure. He said disputes over procedure, travel claims, and a recent committee meeting showed deeper problems in Parliament’s administration, prompting concern from opposition leader Phillip Paulwell about instability and high staff turnover.

Christopher Cowan, deputy clerk to the Houses of Parliament, has resigned with immediate effect, citing concerns about Clerk Coleen Lowe’s leadership. In his resignation letter, he called for urgent reform in Parliament’s administration, saying the issues were shared by other current and former staff. The move adds to reported disquiet among parliamentary employees.