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Western News
Lloyd B Smith wants eligibility standards for elected politicians
Horace Hines
Thursday, February 02, 2012
MONTEGO BAY, St James — LLOYD B Smith, the member of Parliament for the newly established Central St James constituency has joined those urging that criteria be set for those seeking to be elected to political office.
Also, Smith wants an accommodation to be made to allow "competent persons" outside of parliament to be appointed to the Cabinet.
"Of all the professions in the world one can just get up and say I want to become a member of Parliament," Smith told last week's monthly meeting of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East.
"You do not have to present any CV or résumés — all you have to be is a member of a political party and I have a problem with that," Smith who is also deputy speaker of the House of Representative, said.
"I do believe there ought to be some specific criteria that should determine who should become a member of Parliament. In the same way... there should be criteria and specifications for persons who want to run as parish councillors," he added.
Regarding ministerial and junior ministerial positions, Smith argued that "as far as is possible, we need to restructure government so it is not by virtue of being a member of Parliament that one becomes a minister or minister of state, but that we must reach a stage in this country where the most competent persons have an opportunity to serve the country".
Members of Cabinet are currently drawn from members of the Upper and Lower Houses.
He claimed that, "if we continue to pursue (the current) governmental structure, inherent in that structure will be incompetence".
He cited the need for a greater understanding among the masses as to what a parliamentarian's role ought to be.
"One of the problems we face in a lot of the communities is some politicians — not all — have created in the people's minds a tremendous level of mendicancy and dependency," Smith said.
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2/8/2012
@ Lloyd B Smith, wat yuh talking about? it is their God given right for all Jamaican citizen to run for any elected political office in Jamaica. It is not just the elitists should be in political office, let the people decide who should represent them.
2/7/2012
Good point Lloyd but talk is cheap when all the MP's give out gifts to their friends behind closed doors. The laws in Ja need to change, we need to hold politicians accountable. We see across the golbe how people are rising up against govt this can and will happen in Ja if change is not made. Llioyd you should call out the incompetent ones in your party then call out the ones in the opposition.
2/7/2012
True democracy allows ANYONE to offer themselves and be elected. No country operates a true democracy.; it has always been a myth.
2/7/2012
So finally it has been said. We need educated individuals in these positions. Great, totally agree with Mr. Smith. However the fact is that the party was voted in on the premise of mendicancy in many constituents...this culture is well established. The question is how will this be changed? Getting people to take responsibility and work hard and not expect hand outs from their MPs, Councillors, etc...note culture is hard to change, but attitude can be impressed upon ...good direction .....
2/2/2012
Lloyd B u not making much sense here, seems u just making fancy talk. What is needed is for you and your friends in the parliament and senate to past laws that will hold all u accountable. Its the political directorates that has brought this country to where it is now. Start telling us what you gonna be doing to improve the living standard etc of your constituents.
2/2/2012
There is a simple solution Lloyd. Rewrite the constitution to become a Jamaican Republic. Separate legislative, judicial, and administrative branches. Executive president with a professional appointed cabinet. What is so hard about that. Parliamentarians legislate, Professionals administrate, and Judges adjudicate.
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