The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is urging Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke to ensure that the competency profile instrument for boards of public bodies is used in the appointment of the next boards.

PSOJ President Howard Mitchell says in selecting members to the 52 boards due between this month and June 2018, the instrument approved by Cabinet last year should be used as a primary tool to identify and select directors with the requisite knowledge, skill and track record of integrity to add value to the oversight of public bodies.

Mr. Mitchell underscores the need for the right people to be on the boards of public bodies, pointing out that they are a large part of how government manages its business, as they handle large sums of money and major areas of asset value in the public sector.

He is also encouraging the minister to see to the strict enforcement of the corporate governance framework for public sector bodies as part of his drive to reduce waste and malfunction and to increase good governance.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mitchell says the organisation is pleased to hear the stated intent of the finance minister to move quickly in the rationalizing   public bodies.

The PSOJ says it supports the execution of this initiative as a very necessary step to achieve the goal of complete independence from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The PSOJ states that it stands ready to assist the minister and his administration in both the intended rationalization exercise and in strengthening the governance and compliance aspects of the operation of public bodies.