An Open Letter to Our New Prime Minister
Congratulations are in order and now there is much work to be done.
I trust that by the time this letter is published you would have shown us the gravity and sincerity of your commitment in the calibre of your cabinet.
Already we have seen your tangible assurance in guarding the people’s money; I refer to the strong message in not selling the luxury suvs for peanuts and then having to purchase brand new ones for your senior executives. I know that new Ministers love to smell fresh leather but we cannot afford it at this time. In your decisions, please continue to give us more to show us you mean business. Capitalize on the goodwill and well-wishes that the country has collectively thrown around your success at the polls.
I listened to your victory speech which was laced with humility and hope. We welcome the promise of openness, honesty and transparency. On this may I suggest that you embolden and strengthen your office with good and decent people who may not necessarily be party loyalists? There are too many fresh and bright younger minds that are anxious to learn and work for the good of Jamaica.
Regarding appointments, do invite the opposition to select one third of the members on statutory boards. Remember that you just barely won and in some countries you would have had to form a coalition government so be fair.
Please strengthen the corruption prevention bodies and be in no rush to replace or shake up any body that is currently working fairly and upright. Be on the lookout for oversight entities with members some of whom may be venal.
The Whistle Blowers legislation is going to be critical to ensure that your promises are fulfilled. The business of selling assets dirt cheap to party faithfuls, blatant conflicts of interest and refusal to immediately call out and remove your appointees when they make a colossal mess, must never be the hallmark of your tenure.
This is an opportunity for a new wave and a new way of doing things to get new results. Take your own advice and remember that as fast as we put you there as our Prime Minister, we can unceremoniously dethrone you. With all its blemishes I am happy to see that our brand of democracy still works!
Sandra M. Taylor Wiggan is a retired army officer, education administrator and Justice of the Peace.
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