Permanent Secretaries' Board urges restraint in calls for resignation of health ministry's PS

The Permanent Secretaries' Board (PSB) has expressed "grave concern" about the recent public discourse relating to calls for the resignation of the Ministry of Health's permanent secretary, Dunstan Bryan.

Bryan's oversight of the administrative affairs of the health ministry was brought into question after it was revealed that the Auditor General's Department is awaiting appropriation accounts spanning a decade – from 2013-2014 to 2022-2023 – to review how taxpayers' money amounting to nearly $700 billion was spent by the ministry.

In a media release on Thursday the PSB said it fully recognises that civil servants are not above public scrutiny.

However, it urged restraint in the public discourse of the matter, noting that "there are established processes, through the Parliament and the Public Service Commission, that afford for proper ventilation and discourse on any issue that has been raised by any oversight body such as the Auditor General."

It said these processes should be respected and civil servants who must account to the Parliament be given the opportunity to provide their response.

Bryan has blamed the death, migration, and retirement of former staff for the ministry's inability to finalise its appropriation accounts.

The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) has also expressed  concern regarding the resignation calls and voiced its support for Bryan, contending that he was facing “undue backlash”.

According to the JCSA, the “recent attacks” not only undermine Bryan's integrity and professionalism, but also pose a threat to the stability and effectiveness of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

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