Dear Editor,
It was with some dissatisfaction I read the Jamaica Observer article 'Travel brawl' on February 12, 2014. The debate over the PMs frequent trips since taking office has been ongoing for some time and the concern is very much justified.
Government officials should remember they are constantly in the public eye and should conduct debates intelligently, with decorum and with respect for the institution called Parliament. I watched the PM, in the TV coverage, huff and puff, with an angry stance, as if ready to fight, after the Opposition leader dared to pose questions about these frequent trips.
Twenty-one trips in two short years is an awful lot. (She actually stated in another interview a total of 25, 10 trips in 2012 and 15 in 2013.) Can we really justify all these trips?
While the PM is expected to travel officially, she has to realise she is not the head of state, and her function isn't purely diplomatic or ceremonial. Some of these trips might be good for the country; we understand the importance of building relationships outside Jamaica, but this is also why we have diplomatic missions scattered around the globe, also at a major expense to government. We also have technology which facilitate video-conferencing and real-time communication. Especially at a time when there are significant cutbacks and layoffs, the PM ought to set a better example.
It is not only the frequency of these trips that is of concern; there is also concern about the size of the PMs delegation for these trips, and the length of trips. Ethiopia, for instance, was for seven days. To make matters worse, the PMs explanation about the Ethiopia trip in Parliament is why many still believe the PM really does not fully grasp the role and function as PM. It was a naive and 'simple' response.
By travelling so often, the PM stays out of touch with critical issues facing the Government and country she is leading. The crime rate, for instance, requires urgent attention, and the economy remains sluggish. We could also be doing a lot more to support and preserve the arts, culture, heritage, and sports. To give short-sighted answers saying "it is not her fault other PMs before her were not invited by other countries" is simply petty squabbling; give details to back it up.
The Opposition is correct in pushing this matter with vigour. These trips cost taxpayers $117m. The PM should take heed, and stop being always on the defensive. She must remember she is an elected public servant and is also fully responsible and accountable for her actions and, more importantly, for every dollar spent by the Government.
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
PM should account for every dollar
-->
It was with some dissatisfaction I read the Jamaica Observer article 'Travel brawl' on February 12, 2014. The debate over the PMs frequent trips since taking office has been ongoing for some time and the concern is very much justified.
Government officials should remember they are constantly in the public eye and should conduct debates intelligently, with decorum and with respect for the institution called Parliament. I watched the PM, in the TV coverage, huff and puff, with an angry stance, as if ready to fight, after the Opposition leader dared to pose questions about these frequent trips.
Twenty-one trips in two short years is an awful lot. (She actually stated in another interview a total of 25, 10 trips in 2012 and 15 in 2013.) Can we really justify all these trips?
While the PM is expected to travel officially, she has to realise she is not the head of state, and her function isn't purely diplomatic or ceremonial. Some of these trips might be good for the country; we understand the importance of building relationships outside Jamaica, but this is also why we have diplomatic missions scattered around the globe, also at a major expense to government. We also have technology which facilitate video-conferencing and real-time communication. Especially at a time when there are significant cutbacks and layoffs, the PM ought to set a better example.
It is not only the frequency of these trips that is of concern; there is also concern about the size of the PMs delegation for these trips, and the length of trips. Ethiopia, for instance, was for seven days. To make matters worse, the PMs explanation about the Ethiopia trip in Parliament is why many still believe the PM really does not fully grasp the role and function as PM. It was a naive and 'simple' response.
By travelling so often, the PM stays out of touch with critical issues facing the Government and country she is leading. The crime rate, for instance, requires urgent attention, and the economy remains sluggish. We could also be doing a lot more to support and preserve the arts, culture, heritage, and sports. To give short-sighted answers saying "it is not her fault other PMs before her were not invited by other countries" is simply petty squabbling; give details to back it up.
The Opposition is correct in pushing this matter with vigour. These trips cost taxpayers $117m. The PM should take heed, and stop being always on the defensive. She must remember she is an elected public servant and is also fully responsible and accountable for her actions and, more importantly, for every dollar spent by the Government.
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
PM should account for every dollar
-->