I insist that Minister Jordan made reference to me

Dec 20, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
Reference is being made to Deon Abrams’ letter “Lincoln Lewis used me to get personal with the Finance Minister” (KN 19th December 2016). Let me from the outset disabuse the notion that the response to Minster of Finance Winston Jordan’s discussion on the programme “Groundings,” which Abrams hosted, provided opportunity to “use [him].” There is no need to, and the programme was only mentioned to provide the evidence in my rebuttal.
The National Budget is what underpins the developmental plan of a country, where the revenues would be sourced and expended, and the role of the people in the process. In discussing the 2017 Budget, including the view of the social partners’ (trade unions and private sector) opinions on it and outreach to leaders in the National Assembly, the minister’s statement ‘the one who does be writing in the newspapers’ was clear reference to me. If the programme’s host paid no attention to this or it eluded him such did not happened with me.
The Minister of Finance is a public servant who has taken an oath of office to serve the people. Being paid by the people to be in service to them means he can be held accountable by any citizen or group, at any time. He carries a greater responsibility to address any matter raised by the public objectively.
In taking the time over the years to acquaint myself with universal acceptable principles and issues of governance, Abrams is being assured that in speaking to matters of such nature from a position of conviction, is not weakness or attempt to flaunt knowledge. These are important tools in the struggle to realise good governance, which I am committed to.
Where he has now immersed himself in the discussion let him bring to this nation’s attention evidence of his claim that my letter comprised “unmerited attack [on the minister that] carries numerous allegations that were all untrue.” The letter that has become his source of contention is, “This country does not belong only to Minster Jordan” (KN 14thDecember, 2016).
As an educator he ought to know the importance of evidence. And as a politician of his level, he should know that gut-feelings ought not to guide public discourse or action. Further display of such conduct is seen in the mis-characterisation of my reference to Clarence Ellis.
My introduction of Ellis’ name was prefaced by this statement: “As an aside, note is taken that in the debate the minister was proud to promote a budget of conflicting economic models, by saying he ‘cut his teeth’ under the leadership of Clarence Ellis, who was Chairman of the State Planning Commission.”
I disagree with the minister’s use of Ellis’ name to give credibility to his performance and issues within the budget that would have conflicted with Ellis’ stance on governance, and cited instances to support it. Abrams may find it useful to return to my letter and re-read it in arriving at an informed view that can withstand scrutiny.
Lincoln Lewis

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