THE EDITOR, Sir:
The ruling People's National Party (PNP) has just celebrated the first anniversary of its fourth term mandate. Things are not going well. It is perhaps an opportune time for the Most Honourable Prime Minister to consider a cabinet re-shuffle along the following lines:
Peter Phillips to be replaced by Horace Dalley as Minister of National Security.
Burchell Whiteman to be replaced by Minister of State Delano Franklyn, assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information.
Donald Buchanan to replace Horace Dalley.
Peter Phillips to be assigned to the Ministry of Water and Housing.
Whiteman declared his intention to retire sometime ago instead he has been assigned duties as Minister of Information and general secretary, Maxine Henry-Wilson. Interesting, the former General Secretary (younger and stronger) opined that portfolio responsibilities coupled with that party position were too burdensome.
The re-shuffle would also be cognisant of the succession contest. It could be instructive to see how Phillips performs in a ministry once assigned to his main contender, Blythe. The Ministry of National Security was never desired by Phillips and has resulted in serious, if not irreparable, damage to his public profile. Given the antecedents of Horace Dalley, this ministry would be a welcome challenge.
In case there is a need for a Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then Keste Miller is well-suited and has worked alongside K.D. Knight in a number of capacities.
Failure to re-shuffle may necessitate a clearance of the deck!
I am, etc.,
Dr. PAUL ASHLEY
Attorney-at-Law
1 Braemar Avenue
Kingston 10
