The emotional outburst by Adinair Jones, the former head of the National Youth Service (NYS) and a political appointee, about his removal from the position demonstrates an entitlement culture.

It is my belief that to work for the central government, more so as a political appointee, is a privilege, not a right. However, while there might be some ignorance, given the lack of transparency in political appointments, Adinair Jones needs to just ask himself, 'How did I get the position?'

Political appointees are an essential component of every democratically elected government. These appointments enable the elected leader to put qualified, loyal individuals in charge of running government agencies. In the United States, political appointments are done with the approval of the Senate. The positions are classified as such, and it is widely known that these appointees are not part of the professional civil service corps, and thus, they serve at the pleasure of the president of the United States.

Does such as system exist in Jamaica? Part of the problem with political appointments in Jamaica is that they are clouded in secrecy. The newly elected prime minister is afraid of being labelled a 'political victimiser' and so moves stealthily in making these decisions. These kinds of clandestine appointments are not good for Jamaica. There need to be TRANSPARENCY!

The mantra of 'CHANGE'

The Bruce Golding administration was elected under the mantra of 'CHANGE' and this is one area I believe his government can immediately change. My suggestion to prime minister Golding is that he immediately: (1) Label positions requiring the prime ministerial appointment as 'Political Appointment'; (2) Enact a law stating that these individuals serve at the pleasure of the Prime Minister; (3) Require that these appointments (not dismissal) be confirmed by the full House of Representatives; (4) Limit political appointment positions to no more than five per cent of the public sector workforce.

I am, etc.,

Michael Brown

miguelbro@yahoo.com

Washington, DC