JMEA ‘gravely concerned’ about PetroJam scandal
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) says that it is “gravely concerned” with the current controversy surrounding the government and operations of PetroJam.
PetroJam, Jamaica’s only oil refinery and one of the largest contributing companies to the manufacturing sector has been the centre of a hailstorm of corruption allegations over the past few weeks, which have resulted in the resignation of three Jamaican board members.
The government has since appointed three new members, Paul Hoo, former chairman of Supreme Ventures Limited, Rosie Pilner and Wayne Powell both former vice presidents of Scotia Bank.
JMEA, in a release yesterday, stated that the “specifics disclosed are damning and would indicate a clear mismanagement within the leadership of the company that fuels Jamaica’s economy”.
The association added that “the government has been touting fiscal management as a part of our economic resurgence and this must extend to our state-run entities. The Government needs to demonstrate that they are serious about good governance and that they will not tolerate the wanton waste of tax payer’s money”.
The JMEA said it applauds the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) “for bringing this serious misconduct of authority and mishandling of state resources at PetroJam to the attention of the country”.
The association said it is awaiting the findings of the investigation and anticipate that all individuals guilty of any criminal activity will “feel the full extent of the law.”