Dear Editor,
It has almost become custom to carry out an exercise called “house-cleaning” with the change of Government; a sort of witch-hunt of people in posts in the public sector that are determined, more often than not based on hearsay, as opponents of the political party taking office. This vile, vindictive, and damaging practice is not productive and does not befit a democracy such as ours.
We cannot say that citizens have a right to their political preferences and then punish them when they exercise or demonstrate their preference because it goes contrary to those who hold power. A society or Administration that condones or indulges in the removal of public sector workers because of their political allegiance or preference is weakening democracy and, by extension, demonstrates disloyalty to Jamaica.
Admittedly, there will always be political hacks with no real competence or ability to carry out job functions assigned to them by outgoing Administrations, but there is a proper system that must be followed regarding removals. Such offending individuals know themselves and should do the honourable thing and resign. Likewise, those public servants who find that they are unable to continue to serve Jamaica loyally because of political differences or allegiance should also resign. We must show that we are a mature democracy that tolerates and work alongside others with differing political views and allegiance.
Colonel Allan Douglas
Kingston 10
alldouglas@aol.com
It has almost become custom to carry out an exercise called “house-cleaning” with the change of Government; a sort of witch-hunt of people in posts in the public sector that are determined, more often than not based on hearsay, as opponents of the political party taking office. This vile, vindictive, and damaging practice is not productive and does not befit a democracy such as ours.
We cannot say that citizens have a right to their political preferences and then punish them when they exercise or demonstrate their preference because it goes contrary to those who hold power. A society or Administration that condones or indulges in the removal of public sector workers because of their political allegiance or preference is weakening democracy and, by extension, demonstrates disloyalty to Jamaica.
Admittedly, there will always be political hacks with no real competence or ability to carry out job functions assigned to them by outgoing Administrations, but there is a proper system that must be followed regarding removals. Such offending individuals know themselves and should do the honourable thing and resign. Likewise, those public servants who find that they are unable to continue to serve Jamaica loyally because of political differences or allegiance should also resign. We must show that we are a mature democracy that tolerates and work alongside others with differing political views and allegiance.
Colonel Allan Douglas
Kingston 10
alldouglas@aol.com