Gov't bans official overseas travel across public sector until March 2027

By Kimone Witter 

 

 

The government has placed an immediate ban on all official overseas travel, across the public sector, until March 31 next year, except in special circumstances.

 

It says this is amid the economic pressures caused by the Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

 

Radio Jamaica has obtained a copy of the memorandum, dated October 21, that was sent to the Financial Secretary and Permanent Secretaries by Cabinet Secretary, Audrey Sewell.

 

The government says the ban on official overseas travel applies to public sector officials including Ministers, Ministers of State and other political office holders.

 

The memorandum indicates that the temporary halt shall apply irrespective of whether the proposed travel is financed directly from public funds, through the budget of a public body, or by an external organisation or sponsoring institution.

 

It says all previously approved travel, not yet undertaken, will be reviewed against the requirements of the moratorium.

 

The government says the decision for the suspension on travel takes into account the unprecedented destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa which has placed significant demands on Jamaica's fiscal resources and public sector capacity.

 

It has highlighted the ambitious programme of national reconstruction and recovery, which has required the mobilisation of substantial financial, technical and administrative resources.

 

The government says, at this critical juncture, it is imperative that it exercises the highest degree of fiscal discipline, prioritises expenditure and ensures that the attention of ministers and senior public officials remain firmly focused on national reconstruction, economic recovery and the effective delivery of public services.

 

It notes that, while international engagement remains important to the country's development and foreign policy objectives, overseas travel must be strictly limited to activities that are essential to the national interest and cannot reasonably be undertaken through virtual participation or other alternative arrangements.

 

The administration says it must lead by example in demonstrating prudence, restraint and an unwavering commitment to directing scarce public resources toward the country's most urgent priorities.