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Whittaker’s condemnation shows that the PPP understands the spirit of the Constitution

Sep 19, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
As some continue to pursue the issue of bringing the opposition into the Cabinet one cannot lose sight of what happens day-to-day in governance. An opposition has its role and it is expected that it will discharge its responsibilities guided by laws and time-honoured principles. This role includes opposing, supporting and proposing where necessary, and a responsible opposition will do so sensibly. Among the role of the Cabinet is to ensure good day-day stewardship of the nation’s affairs through policies and actions guided by time-honoured principles and laws.
There is a missive by former Minister of Local Government Norman Whittaker accusing the government of appointing political operatives as Regional Executive Officers (REOs), without informing the public that REOs are not appointed by the Public Service Commission. The REO while in service to the public is not a Public Service Commission employee. This notwithstanding, it does not mean if government is serious about elevating the delivery of public service that it should not seek to appoint persons of technical competence and take the necessary steps that would see this job being one of a career public servant.
Whittaker has drawn to the public’s attention the number of Regions won by the PPP/C and is inferring that his party will not be deterred from managing the regions. In principle he has a point, given that the Constitution has enshrined the right to self-determination (devolution of power) to the people through the Local Democratic Organs, under which regional and local governments fall.
Yet, it was under the leadership of this man as Local Government Minister he moved into every area that the PPP did not have the majority, dismantled Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and replaced them with PPP members and supporters. In the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), won by the APNU and AFC all the REOs that were appointed were either members or supporters of the PPP.
The condemnation by Whittaker is indicative that the PPP understands the spirit and intent of the Constitution and time-honoured principles, but refused to embrace same during their stewardship in office.
Having done the same thing that they are today condemning, this nation ought to pay attention to the consequences of having both the PPP and APNU+AFC sitting in the Cabinet and making decisions which will impact on the day-to-day lives of the people. The possibility of persons collaborating in their own interest and not the people’s interest is real and poses potential dangers to the people’s welfare and good governance.
The current government needs to apply a principle when making decision by asking itself ‘Did we condemn while we were in opposition the decision we are about to make?’ For if was wrong under the PPP it cannot be right now. This ought to be a basic litmus test for any government respecting of the will of the people and demonstrating to the people that their desire for change not exchange has been heard loud and clear and will be respected. On 11th May the people have spoken and there must be growth in our political discourse, government’s actions, respect for laws, and the citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms. The people deserve no less and must demand no less.
Lincoln Lewis

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