POST-CABINET press briefings are now a thing of the past.

Yesterday's first post-Cabinet press briefing for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration was the last.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding told journalists that in strengthening Parliament, he believes the House of Representatives should be privy to decisions of Cabinet before they reach the media.

"I don't want anybody to get the impression that we are seeking to delude the press, but I do feel that there is something wrong with Parliament reading about Cabinet decisions in the press," Mr. Golding said.

Criticised government

Mr. Golding, who as opposition leader had criticised government for placing a door in a section of the Parliament behind the Prime Minister, said that Jamaicans can learn about Cabinet decisions after they have been put in the form of ministry papers and presented to Parliament.

He has instructed his ministers to be accessible to the press.

Post-Cabinet press briefings were a regular feature of successive People's National Party governments over the past 18 years.