Opposition Spokesperson on Land and Works, Mr Lothan Cousins, has expressed deep concern over the delay in appointing a Chief Executive Officer for the National Works Agency (NWA), following the departure of long-serving head E.G. Hunter.

Mr Cousins noted that, given Mr Hunter formally indicated his intention to retire and leave the post four months ago in a letter to the Public Services Commission dated May 7, 2026, the Government and portfolio leadership had ample opportunity to complete a transparent and seamless transition process. Instead, the nation is facing an unnecessary leadership vacuum at a critical juncture for the agency and the country’s infrastructure.

“Given the current state of the nation’s roads, the paramount importance of the National Works Agency, and the vital role that the CEO plays in executing national development, any arrangement that relies on an interim or acting director is entirely inadequate,” Mr Cousins said. “The magnitude of the challenges facing Jamaica’s road network requires substantive, permanent leadership without delay.”

While extending sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr E.G. Hunter for his 14 years of dedicated service, technical expertise and stewardship of Jamaica’s major road infrastructure projects, the Opposition Spokesperson emphasised that the agency must be fully equipped to handle the critical demands ahead.

“The National Works Agency is too vital to the country’s economic activity and the daily commuting public to be left in a state of prolonged uncertainty,” Mr Cousins concluded. “We urgently call upon the Minister of Works to immediately name a permanent replacement as CEO of the National Works Agency, ensuring that the agency has the stable, substantive leadership it requires.”