Gov't mandates public disclosure of emergency contracts

The Government has mandated the public disclosure of all emergency procurement contracts awarded across the public sector. It comes amid public clamour for greater transparency in spending linked to Hurricane Melissa recovery.

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service announced Tuesday that all procuring entities are now required to publish Emergency Contract Award Notices on the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement System (GOJEP), an online portal, within one month of the date of award.

The new rule is provided for under the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, 2025, and took effect on November 12.

"The measure ensures that Jamaicans can see how public funds are spent during emergencies and why fast-tracked procurement decisions are made," the ministry said in a statement. "

It added: "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."

Under the new framework, Jamaicans will be able to see what goods, works and services are being procured during emergencies, who is receiving the contracts, the value of each award and the justification for selecting particular contractors.

At a minimum, each published notice must include the name of the contract and contractor, the date of award, total contract value, duration and status of the engagement, a description of the emergency or extreme urgency, and a summary of the goods or services procured.

The disclosure requirement comes against the backdrop of widespread public spending triggered by Hurricane Melissa and growing calls from civil society, the media and the political Opposition for clearer accounting of emergency expenditures and contract awards.

The ministry said centralising all emergency contract disclosures on the GOJEP platform will give the public early and equal access to information, helping to strengthen trust and confidence in how urgent public funds are being spent.

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