All procuring entities now mandated to publish details of emergency contracts

Kingston, Jamaica: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has introduced a new requirement for procuring entities to publicly disclose contracts awarded in situations of emergency or extreme urgency on the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement System (GOJEP) at www.gojep.gov.jm. This new requirement reinforces the GOJ’s commitment to transparency, accountability and public oversight.

Pursuant to the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, 2025, all procuring entities are now required to publish Emergency Contract Award Notices within one month of the date of award. The measure ensures that Jamaicans can see how public funds are spent during emergencies and why fast-tracked procurement decisions are made.

The requirement for publication of emergency contract notices on the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement System (GOJEP) became effective on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

While emergencies often require swift action, the Government emphasises that speed must not come at the expense of transparency. This new requirement allows the public to view what goods, works and/or services are being procured, who is receiving the contracts and the justification for the award, even in times of crisis.

Each Emergency Contract Award Notice is required to provide clear and essential details to ensure full public accountability. At a minimum, the published notice must include the name of the contract, the name of the contractor(s) along with the justification for their selection, the date the contract was awarded, the total value of the contract, the duration and current status of engagement, a description of the emergency or extreme urgency that necessitated the procurement and a summary of the goods, works, or services procured.

This new publication requirement strengthens the Government’s commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, fairness and value for money in public procurement. By centralising all emergency contract awards on the GOJEP, the Government is ensuring that the public, civil society and the media have early and equal access to information, helping to build greater trust and confidence in how urgent public spending decisions are made.

For further guidance and support, both procuring entities and members of the public can access Guidance Note 2 of 2025 – Procurement in Situations of Emergency or Extreme Urgency on the Office of Public Procurement Policy website at www.procureja.gov.jm. This guidance provides detailed information on the rules governing emergency procurement in Jamaica.     

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For further information contact:

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch

Ministry of Finance and the Public Service

30 National Heroes Circle

Kingston 4

Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

Email:  [email protected]; [email protected]

Contact: Shakiel Rochester Shorter/Suzell Wray