BULLOCK

The following is the conclusion of an article commenting on the Government's dismissal of former Governor of the central bank, Derick Latibeaudiere, and related economic issues affecting the country. Part 1 was published as Public Affairs in yesterday's Sunday Gleaner.

The country's deteriorating fiscal situation is placing all sectors in crisis, none moreso than health. Even as the minister assures us that there is no crisis, he looks a tired and beaten man, as supplier after supplier demands payment.

One could continue to enumerate more challenges facing the country but at this stage the administration needs "all hands on deck" to assist. Paradoxically, this is the precise time chosen to terminate the services of some of our most competent public servants. We should have seen the warning signs with the decision to dismiss the members of the Public Services Commission over the appointment of Professor Stephen Vasciannie as solicitor general. But that was followed by the dismissal of Colin Bullock as financial secretary to be replaced by an officer, who was then replaced in less than a year. Why was Bullock's contract terminated? No explanation has ever been proffered.

List continues

The list continues, with Robert Gregory dismissed from Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI) and then in one weekend, Latibeaudiere and Commissioner Lewin. Consider the cases of Bullock, Gregory, Lewin and Latibeaudiere. The administration has determined that it will do fine without the contributions of these four, with a combined public sector experience, at the highest level, of over 120 years. What harm were they doing to the Government's programmes? Do we really believe that we are so rich in talent that we can divest ourselves of this level of expertise without negative repercussions?

There are two inevitable consequences of such actions. Those who remain will be "staying in their crease", scared that any valid question raised will be seen as hostility to the administration. In the meanwhile, they are looking out for alternatives, at home and abroad. What bright young professional will, at this time, plan for a future in the public sector when he/she sees senior persons being treated in such a manner?

Divided into tribes

In all of this, my greatest disappointment is in our prime minister, Mr Golding. On a personal note, I mention, in passing, that I have known him for longer than I have known most of my People's National Party colleagues. In personal conversation, and indeed sometimes in public utterances, he articulates the clearest understanding of the challenges we face as a people and the need for us to unite around certain common objectives. However, this common national stance cannot be fostered if we are divided into different tribes, each seeking to defeat the other. This is where the leadership of a prime minister is most needed.

Unfortunately, this is precisely where he has failed us most. In times of crisis, he has revealed his most tribalist nature, pandering to the most divisive elements in his party.

And so we return to where we started: the dismissal of Governor Latibeaudiere. The BOJ will remain a strong institution as it is staffed by an excellent group of professionals. However, as I have sought to convey, for a host of reasons, this is just the 'tip of the iceberg' as the country falls deeper and deeper into crisis.

Dr Omar Davies is Opposition spokesman on finance.

Davies