By Vernon Daley, Parliamentary Reporter
THERE IS no doubt in my mind that Prime Minister P.J. Patterson means Jamaica well. I know he would want to see the people of this country prosperous and productive. I'm sure he would also want to see us hold dear a set of values that would make this a kinder and gentler society.
However, some people know where they want to go but just don't know how to get there. Others just don't have the courage to take the right path. It seems to me that the Prime Minister falls into one of these categories.
The Prime Minister says he wants to stamp out corruption. But by his very actions, he undermines his own objectives.
Take the Karl Blythe saga which unfolded in the House earlier this week. Responding to questions from Jamaica Labour Party MP Andrew Holness, Prime Minister Patterson said he accepted a report from the former Solicitor-General, Dr. Ken Rattary which purportedly clears Dr. Blythe of wrongdoing in the NHDC/Operation Pride scandal.
Now it seems only a matter of time before Dr. Blythe is once again made a Minister of Government.
This is a clear demonstration that the Prime Minister either doesn't know how to build confidence and trust among an already cynical public or just doesn't have the courage to do what is proper.
It was the Prime Minister who ordered Erwin Angus to probe allegations of corruption in the NHDC/Operation Pride programme. The report of the Angus Commission painted Dr. Blythe as a meddling Minister who interfered in the day-to-day management of the housing programme.
I might be going soft in the head at this tender age, but my recollection is that the Prime Minister accepted the Angus Commission's report, which led to Dr. Blythe's resignation as the Minister of Water and Housing.
But having done that he turns around in Nicodemus fashion and orders Dr. Rattary to privately review the Angus Commission's findings. What a slap in the face of Mr. Angus! This must be among the most scandalous acts committed by any Prime Minister of this country. I don't think it likely that too many honest, non-partisan people will be coming forward to sit on commissions that the Prime Minister appoints.
After winning the October general election, the Prime Minister made a great deal about his determination to stamp out corruption and create a united society where Jamaicans share common values.
Well, I don't think the Prime Minister's performance in the Karl Blythe affair will achieve that. In fact, the way the Prime Minister went about ordering this review of the Angus Commis-sion's findings, does not give the confidence that he is a leader who is fond of being open and honest with his people.
The Prime Minister should pack in his values and attitudes campaign. He lacks the moral authority to lead such an initiative. Good intentions are not enough. He must show clearly that he wants a government "without a taint of corruption."
In fact, since the Prime Minister came back to office last October many of his actions suggest he is not overly concerned that he is viewed as putting party above the interest of the country.
Isn't Dr. Blythe's 'exoneration' an attempt to prevent him from "mashing up the party?"
Another demonstration of the Prime Minister's overriding concerns for his friends and party, was his decision to appoint former Local Government Minister Arnold Bertram as a consultant to the Ministry of Water and Housing.
One might have been able to understand this, if Mr. Bertram was an efficient Minister who had accomplish much during his tenure. But that is not the case. The only thing going for Mr. Bertram is his long-time friendship with the Prime Minister. Of course, that is enough to give him the green light to collect some more of taxpayers money.
But, that's the pattern of conduct with the Prime Minister. I'm not sure why people thought that another electoral victory would have made a difference.
Send comments to vernon.daley@gleanerjm.com
