Dear Editor,
Exactly one year ago, at the centre of the 'Flag Controversy', a minister of the ruling party stated unequivocally that "an error" was made, and it was indeed regretted. The minister stated further that the error would not hurt the PNP. In so doing, he indirectly pandered to the masses who have come to believe that Jamaica is PNP country, where breaches of public trust and confidence by those elected to serve are tantamount to mere nine-day wonders.
Like many right-thinking Jamaicans, I waited to hear the prime minister express her disapproval at the blatant disregard for a national symbol. However, there was no powerful political presence felt at the helm of our Government. In the end, I felt betrayed by the prime minister's silence, which was a clear break of the presumptive trust and confidence that I had previously held of the highest elected office of the land, and expected of all such officials.
Now, a year later, in the middle of the 'Spaldings Market/Azan Controversy', another minster of the ruling party has stated that an error was made, but lawyers were contacted and the matter has since been "regularised". On this occasion, the architect of the error wears the hats of both member of Parliament and junior minister; positions that would see him wield considerable power and influence in all spheres of governance.
Having made a friendly wager with my colleagues that the prime minister's signature posture of ear-piercing silence on the issue would reverberate for more than a week, I nonetheless continue to feel betrayed by her inaction. It may well be that secret political decisions and acts to balance power are being made beyond the purview of those who put them all in power. But the principles of integrity and accountability demand an immediate statement from the prime minister. The allegations in question involve a junior minister no less, and consequently, strike at the very heart of her administration.
To further exacerbate the issues, the junior minster had the audacity to give an interview where he stated, in a rather banal and ill-advised manner, that people call for the resignation of officials all the time and that this is no different. Then in a show of arrogance, he bantered that he wouldn't even say what he really wants to say to those clamouring for his resignation. I wish to remind the junior minister that public service is a matter of public trust, and that if we the people have lost all trust and confidence in him, then we the people can properly clamour for his resignation.
This is not about PNP or JLP, or trying to save an individual's political future. It concerns keeping in check those elected to lead; those in whom much public trust and confidence has been placed; and those who by their actions and inactions must be held accountable by party leaders and the very people themselves. It is time we buried the anachronism that this is "PNP country" and rebuild a nation forged on justice, integrity and accountability for all Jamaicans.
Where is the beloved champion of the poor who so nobly pledged on the campaign trail that she would not tolerate corruption? If the prime minister remains silent on the issue much longer, and if no decisive position is taken, then we the people must also demand her resignation. For, in her persistent silence, she would be harbouring one who, by his "errors", has proven to be more of an enemy of the state than those who erred to criticise her Government's social and economic policies.
Alando N Terrelonge
St Andrew
Of a PM's persistent silence
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Exactly one year ago, at the centre of the 'Flag Controversy', a minister of the ruling party stated unequivocally that "an error" was made, and it was indeed regretted. The minister stated further that the error would not hurt the PNP. In so doing, he indirectly pandered to the masses who have come to believe that Jamaica is PNP country, where breaches of public trust and confidence by those elected to serve are tantamount to mere nine-day wonders.
Like many right-thinking Jamaicans, I waited to hear the prime minister express her disapproval at the blatant disregard for a national symbol. However, there was no powerful political presence felt at the helm of our Government. In the end, I felt betrayed by the prime minister's silence, which was a clear break of the presumptive trust and confidence that I had previously held of the highest elected office of the land, and expected of all such officials.
Now, a year later, in the middle of the 'Spaldings Market/Azan Controversy', another minster of the ruling party has stated that an error was made, but lawyers were contacted and the matter has since been "regularised". On this occasion, the architect of the error wears the hats of both member of Parliament and junior minister; positions that would see him wield considerable power and influence in all spheres of governance.
Having made a friendly wager with my colleagues that the prime minister's signature posture of ear-piercing silence on the issue would reverberate for more than a week, I nonetheless continue to feel betrayed by her inaction. It may well be that secret political decisions and acts to balance power are being made beyond the purview of those who put them all in power. But the principles of integrity and accountability demand an immediate statement from the prime minister. The allegations in question involve a junior minister no less, and consequently, strike at the very heart of her administration.
To further exacerbate the issues, the junior minster had the audacity to give an interview where he stated, in a rather banal and ill-advised manner, that people call for the resignation of officials all the time and that this is no different. Then in a show of arrogance, he bantered that he wouldn't even say what he really wants to say to those clamouring for his resignation. I wish to remind the junior minister that public service is a matter of public trust, and that if we the people have lost all trust and confidence in him, then we the people can properly clamour for his resignation.
This is not about PNP or JLP, or trying to save an individual's political future. It concerns keeping in check those elected to lead; those in whom much public trust and confidence has been placed; and those who by their actions and inactions must be held accountable by party leaders and the very people themselves. It is time we buried the anachronism that this is "PNP country" and rebuild a nation forged on justice, integrity and accountability for all Jamaicans.
Where is the beloved champion of the poor who so nobly pledged on the campaign trail that she would not tolerate corruption? If the prime minister remains silent on the issue much longer, and if no decisive position is taken, then we the people must also demand her resignation. For, in her persistent silence, she would be harbouring one who, by his "errors", has proven to be more of an enemy of the state than those who erred to criticise her Government's social and economic policies.
Alando N Terrelonge
St Andrew
Of a PM's persistent silence
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