The Advocates Network has taken issue with comments made by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness regarding concerns raised about the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA).

The NaRRA Bill was assented into law last month, formally establishing the framework for the country’s accelerated reconstruction and resilience programme following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

However, it was widely criticised prior to becoming legislation, and some members of the public continue to express their concern about the law.

The Advocates Network said during a recent post-Cabinet press briefing, Dr. Holness asserted that much of the criticism of NaRRA came from “a place of mistrust, of fear and ignorance”.

According to Mark Cameron, a member of the network, the assertion dismisses the legitimate voices of citizens, civil society groups, professionals, community leaders and ordinary Jamaicans who asked for accountability, transparency and stronger protection of people’s rights and assets.

He insisted that concerns raised about the legislation should not be interpreted as an attempt to slow relief efforts but rather as a push to close gaps in accountability.

He said internal audit mechanisms would provide transparency and accountability.