The government has moved to ban official overseas travel by ministers and public sector officials for the rest of the fiscal year.

According to a memorandum issued by Cabinet secretary, Audrey Sewell, the ban applies regardless of whether travel is funded by taxpayers or external organisations.

It takes immediate effect and will remain in place until March 31, 2027.

The memo is dated October 21 and is addressed to the financial secretary and permanent secretaries.

It says the rationale for the move is tied to the government’s response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The memo says government must lead by example in demonstrating prudence, restraint and an unwavering commitment to directing scarce public resources towards the country’s most urgent priorities.

It says given the enormous pressure the hurricane has placed on Jamaica’s financial resources and public sector capacity, government must exercise the highest degree of fiscal discipline.

The Cabinet secretary says ministers and senior public officials are to remain firmly focused on national reconstruction, economic recovery and the effective delivery of public services.

Sewell says overseas travel may only be permitted with written prior approval and only for post-Melissa reconstruction and recovery, national security, approved board meetings, essential tourism promotion and genuine emergencies of compelling national importance.