Mixed views about size of Shadow Cabinet

 

Political commentator Damion Gordon has mixed views about the size and structure of Jamaica's recently announced Shadow Cabinet. 

 

The Shadow Cabinet, made up of 36 members, includes a mix of long-serving members of Parliament, newly elected MPs and Senators. 

 

In an interview with Radio Jamaica News, Mr. Gordon described the Shadow Cabinet as inclusive, but expressed concern about its size. 

 

He argued that while representation is important, the large number of members is unusual by international standards, and appears inconsistent with Jamaica's stated goals of public sector reform. 

 

Managing and evaluating the performance of such a large group could be challenging, the commentator contended. 

 

"But nonetheless, the opposition has the flexibility to do things differently from the government without imposing a cost on taxpayers. It could also be a case where the structure of the Shadow Cabinet is aligned with the organisational goals for the long-term transformation of the People's National Party. I'm not sure what the thinking of the leader is and how the structure aligns with the leader's thinking about how the party must be transformed over the next five years or so." 

 

He added: "The party could be in, for example, a transitional phase where it is focused on what a future PNP administration could look like and the roles that some of the fresher faces are likely to assume in that administration. To that extent, inclusion in the shadow cabinet could provide them valuable training and capacity building opportunities." 

 

Mr. Gordon also warned that the expanded structure increases the risk of duplication, overlapping responsibilities,

and inefficient use of resources.