Chris Zacca to Play Critical Role in Public Sector Rationalisation

Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has described businessman Christopher Zacca’s appointment as Special Advisor to Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding as “critical and well needed”.
“This appointment is critical and well-needed at this time, especially in light of the commitments that the Prime Minister has made to the country, and the urgency in which some of these measures will have to be taken,” Mr. Vaz told a post Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday (October 7).
He said that Mr. Zacca will play a significant role in executing some of the Government’s public sector rationalisation measures. He also noted that this was the first time in the administration’s two years in office, that a special advisor for the Prime Minister has been appointed.
Mr. Zacca was appointed special advisor to the Prime Minister on October 1. He will provide high level advice and support on the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and key initiatives designed to support the achievement of national socio-economic objectives.
He will also provide analytical support and co-ordination of major projects, proposals and development strategies, working in collaboration with the relevant Government agencies, and provide strategic co-ordination and management of the Prime Minister’s consultations with the private sector and civil society stakeholders.
Mr. Vaz also said that Mr. Golding has the full support and commitment of the Cabinet in his decision to trim the public sector.
“We think that it is something that is unprecedented in terms of, as he has indicated, putting all political capital on the table, in order to take the decisions that are best for Jamaica. If it means that there has to be a cut in the size of the Cabinet, then I am sure that my colleagues, likewise myself, will understand any eventuality in terms of those cuts,” he stated.
He said that, based on discussions thus far, the intent is to start implementation of the rationalisation programme for the next financial year.
As it relates to the roles of the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (CPTC), a meeting has been planned to look at proposals put forward by the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)of the agencies, he said.
“Some decisions are going to have to be taken. It may not be exactly what has been proposed by them, but it is going to be in keeping with what the Prime Minister has mandated in terms of the efficiency and the cost effectiveness of Government, as a whole,” Mr. Vaz stated.