Dear Editor,

The following is an open letter to Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Prime Minister Holness, we would like to propose a strategic approach to address the imminent departure of Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke who will be leaving to join the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) senior management team.

Given the significance of this role and the diverse expertise required, we recommend appointing three individuals to collectively manage the responsibilities.

1) Chief economic strategist: This individual will focus on macroeconomic policies, long-term financial planning, and economic growth strategies. He/she will ensure that our economic policies align with global trends and domestic needs.

2) Fiscal operations director: This role will oversee government spending, budgeting, and revenue collection. The director will ensure efficient allocation of resources and adherence to fiscal discipline.

3) Financial markets advisor: This advisor will manage relations with financial markets, oversee investment strategies, and handle interactions with international financial institutions. He/she will work to maintain investor confidence and financial stability.

Given the current economic challenges and the complexities involved in managing our financial resources, it has become increasingly evident that currently there is no single individual who is ideally positioned to handle the demands of this critical portfolio effectively. In light of this, we think that by distributing the responsibilities among three experts we can leverage each one’s specialised skills and ensure a comprehensive approach to our nation’s financial management. This structure will also allow for greater flexibility and resilience in addressing complex financial challenges.

Thank you for considering this proposal. We are confident that this approach will strengthen our financial leadership and support our nation’s economic objectives.

Jacqui Lawrence

Community Partnership Office

Eagles’ Wings Mentorship Foundation

jacquitwin@hotmail.com