KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward governmental accountability, Jamaica has instituted rigorous transparency protocols requiring full public disclosure of contracts awarded during crisis situations. Effective November 12, 2025, all procuring entities must now publish comprehensive Emergency Contract Award Notices through the Government of Jamaica Electronic Procurement System (GOJEP).
This regulatory shift emerges from recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act, establishing a mandatory 30-day publication window following any emergency contract award. The initiative specifically targets scenarios requiring rapid response—such as natural disasters or public health emergencies—where standard procurement procedures might be bypassed due to urgency.
Each disclosure must contain detailed specifications including: contractual identity, awarded contractor information, selection rationale, financial value, implementation timeline, current operational status, and a thorough description of both the procured items/services and the justifying circumstances. By centralizing this information on GOJEP’s digital platform (www.gojep.gov.jm), the government ensures equitable access for citizens, media outlets, and civil society organizations.
The Ministry of Finance and Public Service emphasizes that while emergency conditions necessitate expedited decision-making, they should not compromise fundamental governance principles. This mechanism reinforces integrity, fiscal responsibility, and equitable treatment in public expenditure during critical periods. Supplementary implementation guidelines are available through Guidance Note 2 of 2025 on the Office of Public Procurement Policy’s official portal (www.procureja.gov.jm).