IN THE face of mounting criticism, the Government is defending the decision of Prime Minister Bruce Golding to appoint businessman Chris Zacca as special adviser.

On Tuesday, Jamaica House confirmed a Gleaner report that the immediate past president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica had been appointed special adviser to Golding.

"In his new position, Mr Zacca will provide high-level advice and support to the prime minister on the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and key initiatives designed to support the achievement of national socio-economic objectives.

"Mr Zacca will also provide analytical support and coordination of major projects, proposals and development strategies, working in collaboration with the relevant government agencies," Jamaica House said as it outlined his duties.

A necessary move

The announcement was met with questions in many quarters, as some commentators pointed to the Prime Minister's recent declaration of a need to cut the cost of government.

However, yesterday, Information Minister Daryl Vaz argued that this was a necessary move.

"The Government and the prime minister are mindful (that we are) in a climate where we are saying that we need to cut the public sector, but this appointment is a critical and well-needed appointment at this time," Vaz said.

Major role

He pointed out that Zacca was the first special adviser to be appointed by the prime minister since taking office more than two years ago.

"We need not go back into history, but we know when it comes to special advisers in past governments, there have been many ... Maybe at that time they were well-needed appointments," Vaz said.

According to Vaz, Zacca will have a major role in executing some of the measures announced by the prime minister in Parliament last week.

"Especially as it relates to the public-sector rationalisation which, as you would remember, the prime minister indicated would be led from his office," added Vaz.

Zacca's appointment as special adviser to Golding follows two years of voluntary work for the Planning and Development Division in the Office of the Prime Minister. During that time, he served as a member of the monitoring board of the National Planning Summit.