Time to reward professionals rather than political favourites

Friday, January 20, 2012

IT'S a long established practice that after the installation of a new Government certain positions in the public sector experience a change in personnel.

Some are understandable, given that they are sensitive posts and the new administration would wish to have them occupied by persons in whom they have the utmost trust and who share their policy ideas and vision for the country.

Having accepted that, we have no quarrel with the naming of Mr Patrick Atkinson as the attorney general, even though people opposed to the appointment point to the fact that Mr Atkinson is a Government member of Parliament.

The fact, though, is that Mr Atkinson is an experienced attorney who knows his craft and, as he pointed out after he was sworn in, has knowledge of civil law.

What we would advise those opposed to Mr Atkinson's appointment to do is examine his performance on the job. That, we suggest, will allow for fair judgement of his ability to avoid politics influencing his decisions.

So, as Mr Atkinson embarks on this new chapter in his life, we wish him well and hope that he will justify the prime minister's confidence in him. At the same time, we must salute his predecessor, Mr Ransford Braham, who took the principled decision to resign after the general election to give the new Government an opportunity to have the person of its choice in the position.

There are, as we said, other positions that will see changes. Our hope, though, is that the administration will not change individuals merely on the basis of partisan politics or because there is a need to place friends in positions of influence.

For too long that has been the practice, and the country has not benefitted significantly from this system of political rewards. In fact, what it has done, more than anything, is drain the country of its financial and other resources. For we have seen where politically appointed executives have abused State resources for personal gain or for acceptance in social circles, leaving the taxpayers with huge bills at the end of each month.

The country needs to get to the point where people are appointed to positions based on their competence, and the decision as to whether they are retained should be based solely on their performance.

The desire of Jamaicans for a new kind of politics was evident in the just-concluded general election, and the leaders of both the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) were very vocal in their commitment to granting that wish.

That yearning for change manifested itself in the behaviour of the electorate throughout the campaign, as supporters of both parties, while demonstrating their political leanings, made it clear that after the vote we all must live together.

The upshot was that this was arguably the most peaceful Jamaican election in 50 years or more.

The atmosphere is, therefore, perfect for the administration to set a tone of respect for professionalism rather than political favouritism. It will redound to Jamaica's benefit.

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COMMENTS (13)

4/20/2012

With respect to you and your eerdars.Those Anti Crime measures are a good start, however, it would appear to this reader that somethings were not only watered down, but removed.I was hoping to see more stringent measures to penalize the terrorists who now have the guns.No amnesty.If anyone is caught with an illegal firearm, he/she must serve a specified jail sentence.I suppose that the Human Rights Activists aka Criminal Rights Activists would not like to see any penalty for carrying an illegal firearm.The CRA (Criminal Rights Activists) must take the blame and blood of the 4000 Jamaicans murdered in the past 3 years.Peace

Huie Fox
1/21/2012

As citizens we posit acceptance of the national will as expressed in electoral results. Con commitment thereon we expect the chosen to govern on behalf of ALL OF US. Look therefore among the competing groupings, is there a person who can best prosecute the portfolios your concerns embrace. Flood the Prime Minister’s office with recommendations. ACCEPT THAT MOST JAMAICANS are equally anxious for good governance. Your recommendations may bear fruit. THEREAFTER IS NO NEED TO DEMONIZE FELLOW CITIZEN

Fabian Williams
1/21/2012

@WW as per usual you went off on a frolic.my comment is that the PNP is more likely to politicize the bureacucray. this is a known undisputed fact .we can have an informed discussion about the economy but you would need to be acquainted with the fact first.

wanda woeman
1/21/2012

@FW typically JLP. He is still blaming others for the JLP's ineptness and failures. You will soon know the full extent, but (ostrich-like) I am sure you still won't believe it when you see the figures.
Poor AS was out of his depth. He just couldn't cross it. Maybe he should now go back to being wanna-be detective chairing that committee.
If he keeps the PNP on their toes that is all I ask. He will have done a good job.
After all we all want the best for JA don't we? I CAN'T HEAR YOU.

Dan smith
1/21/2012

Why you did not say this when the JLP was in power

Stephen Fox
1/20/2012

@Mike Williams, this is why we need to rewrite the constitution and become a republic. In a republic the executive branch and the legislative branch are separated. In this case the president can appoint as many professional administrators and/or managers as necessary to run the public services. Jamaica has already attempted to remove the limitation by creating state owned corporations such as NWA. However, that approach is not a solution because the cabinet members are parliamentarians.

Fabian Williams
1/20/2012

Mr. Editor what you are suggesting will not happen. That's not the modus operandi of a PNP govt. It has a long history of politicizing the state bureaucracy more than any other political party in Jamaica. But I must admit that this time around not much change is required because Bruce kept many in key positions and in the end they were bury undermining the govt. If necessary we can start mentioning names.

norris Richards
1/20/2012

Do you think that is what the people in the country wants.

george watson
1/20/2012

Mrs. PSM should realize that now that she is PM she should refrain from this hugging and kissing, certainly in certainly circumstances. I saw her hugging some official at Lasco the other day and frankly I was embarrassed. She might reserve this for certain occasions, preferably when meeting and greeting her constituents or when she is with children.
It does not look appropriate at a ground breaking ceremony and her advisers should tell her to stop it..

Mike Williams
1/20/2012

Mr. Editor This is a short sighted article. The professionals also need to avail themselves not for only political offices but they too need to be out on hustle and busle of campaigning. If you put professionals in the senate you can only appoint 12 or 13 at any one time, 4 of these can be appointed as ministers. The professional would therefore be appointed as consultant and guest what consultant in this case can not be held accountable by the people so what you have to work with Mr.Editor

Stephen Fox
1/20/2012

Well said editor. We need to enable professional managers to administrate the government's business regardless of their perceived allegiance. Just because one has shown competence to bring supporters to the polls and win an election does not necessarily qualify one for administering an organization. Trustworthiness, accountability, and professionalism is paramount for a well run government. We certainly need efficient governance right now.

Adam Godson
1/20/2012

re the news story "pope hits out at US radical secularism", when is the pope and the catholic church,and their god, going to do something about the radical pedophelia being "allegedly" carried out by some of their priests?
It seems that that isn't a problem to them,while at the same time they are working themselves up over CONSENTING adults of the same sex having relationships,and ADULT women having abortions. but priests molesting children is low on the priority list.

Chipmunk L.
1/20/2012

Very pointed and outstanding article. It is the only way for our country to move forward shedding the "curry favour mentality" We have many competent and capable people who can fill positions in government agencies. The government only needs to consider the best interest of the citizens and do the right thing.

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Time to reward professionals rather than political favourites