A memorandum from the Cabinet Secretary orders an immediate moratorium covering ministers, senior officials and public-body staff.
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican Government has halted all official overseas travel across the public sector until March 31, 2027, as it redirects scarce resources to reconstruction after Hurricane Melissa. The directive took effect immediately, according to an Oct. 21 memorandum from Cabinet Secretary Audrey Sewell to permanent secretaries, seen by The Gleaner.
The moratorium applies to Cabinet ministers, ministers of state and other political officeholders, permanent secretaries and senior public officers, board members and executives of public bodies, and employees of ministries, departments, agencies, statutory bodies and public enterprises. The Jamaica Observer reported that it applies whether the trip is paid for by taxpayers, a public body or an outside sponsor. All previously approved trips that have not yet taken place are to be reviewed, and agencies are told to use virtual meetings instead. International conferences, study tours, training programs and ceremonial events must be deferred or held virtually unless they meet an exception.
Exceptions are limited to five categories: post-Melissa reconstruction and recovery, national security matters, standing bilateral and multilateral engagements, essential tourism promotion and emergencies. Approval is not automatic. Each request needs a written justification explaining why the trip is necessary, why the goals cannot be met virtually, the minimum number of travelers, and the estimated cost and expected outcomes.
The memorandum says the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa is unprecedented and requires the highest degree of fiscal discipline. It says the Government must lead by example in directing scarce public resources toward the country’s most urgent priorities.
This report draws on information from The Gleaner and the Jamaica Observer.