Jamaica’s Parliament is facing calls for an urgent review following the resignation of Deputy Clerk of the Houses Christopher Cowan, who stepped down with immediate effect on Monday.

Opposition Business Leader and House Committee member Phillip Paulwell said he intends to request an emergency meeting of the committee to discuss the circumstances surrounding the resignation and concerns involving parliamentary staff.

Cowan’s five-page resignation letter to House Speaker Juliet Holness reportedly raised allegations about a contentious workplace environment, including claims that his office and position were undermined and that he faced what he described as a retaliatory approach. These are allegations contained in his resignation letter and have not been independently established.

Paulwell said legislators need to provide greater guidance and become more proactive in addressing issues affecting parliamentary staff, arguing that problems within the administrative structure could affect the functioning of Parliament.

He plans to write to Government Business Leader Floyd Green regarding the proposed meeting.

The proposed House Committee meeting could bring renewed parliamentary attention to staff-management procedures and the administration of Jamaica’s legislature.