Anthony Anderson named NARA chief as Jamaica prepares post-Melissa rebuilding projects

Retired Major General Anthony Anderson is to take up the post of chief executive officer of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, NARA, on June 1, after Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the appointment at Jamaica House. The authority is expected to help drive Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa, which the Planning Institute of Jamaica estimated caused about US$12.2 billion in damage and losses, more than half of gross domestic product.

Holness described Anderson as bringing the “discipline, integrity, and operational command required for this moment.” Anderson is a former chief of defence staff, former police commissioner and Jamaica’s current ambassador to the United States, though Minister with responsibility for works Robert Morgan said he cannot serve in both roles.

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce president Imega Laiba said the appointment had been received positively because Anderson is widely known and has a strong public record. However, he said NARA’s success will depend on the team built around its CEO, especially given the need for technical construction and engineering expertise.

National Integrity Action principal director Dr Gavin Myers welcomed the move but said the public should have been told beforehand what selection process and criteria were being used. He said the agency now needs open, participatory leadership to build confidence in a low-trust environment.

The opposition People’s National Party has asked whether Anderson applied during the original recruitment exercise. Morgan said he applied within the deadline and that 85 applications were received, with seven shortlisted. He said the process involved senior public officials, including the head of the Public Service Commission and the cabinet secretary, and not politicians.

Morgan also rejected concerns that NARA would undermine existing agencies, saying it will handle specific projects chosen by government while normal procurement, approval and accountability systems remain in place. He said the first 10 rebuilding projects for the western side of the island are expected to be announced by the prime minister within a week, while staffing and office arrangements should advance within 60 days.