Towards a Model for Independent Fiscal Policy Oversight in a Small Island State

This paper provides an ex ante assessment for the design of an independent council to improve fiscal oversight and responsibility in Jamaica. Given mixed reviews on the effectiveness of fiscal councils and that the feasibility of implementation in resource constrained developing countries is not clear, the study provides important insights to guide the establishment of such a council. An oversight body with broad-based participation and strong leadership that is accountable to Parliament is preferred. The deliberative role is emphasized over the technocratic role to enhance independence, legitimacy, credibility, and political commitment. However, balance between competing logics, identified as technocratic and deliberative logics is necessary to avoid dysfunction.