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Don Wehby controversy betrays a poverty of spirit
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Every so often a development occurs that reminds us that, although we are growing as a nation, there are areas in which we are still dreadfully immature. The current controversy over the appointment of Mr Don Wehby to the finance ministry is one such.
Instead of rejoicing that a truly talented, bright and successful businessman is offering himself to the service of our country - not something which we see every day - a significant section of us is busy finding everything wrong with Mr Wehby's appointment as minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.
The fact that it is always so easy to tear down rather than to build up, is a clear flaw in our national intellect. It is unbelievable that so much effort is being expended in addressing the form over the substance.
Even when the critics allow themselves to acknowledge the brilliance of the appointment, it frequently comes with a big 'but...' Let there be no ifs, ands or buts about this stroke of genius. This is easily one case in which it is Jamaica which stands to benefit most.
We are in agreement that because GraceKennedy, from whence Mr Wehby comes, is a regulated agency comprising a pensions fund, insurance agency and bank, that there is an appearance of conflict. However, we should put more of our energy into looking at how best to remove this appearance of conflict, without throwing out the baby with the bath water.
As a nation seeking prosperity, we have to come to the place where we do what is necessary to achieve this end. At some point, we have to trust each other.
Let us make no mistake about it, simply asking Mr Wehby to completely sever ties with GraceKennedy does not, by itself, prevent him from doing whatever was feared in the first place. Who is to say, if he was so minded, that he would not, afterall, pass insider information to GraceKennedy from which he has resigned? Many government ministers and officials have, over the years, found themselves in this position, with companies which they either owned or were associated with prior to taking up their appointment.
Everything comes down to the individual's personal integrity.
For that reason, we see nothing wrong with a company, wanting to be a good corporate citizen, offering to pay a portion of a salary which the country normally cannot afford. Otherwise, we should decide that it is time to pay our qualified public servants what they could command on the market.
We reject the notion that in order to serve one's country one must decide to remain poor. There is no glamour in poverty.
In the bigger picture, we are also concerned that a nasty quarrel over such appointments as Mr Wehby's could risk the country losing the appointee who does not wish to subject himself or herself to such an untidy state of affairs.
We commend Mr Wehby for his noble decision to put his intellect and his energies to the service of his compatriots.
We sincerely hope that he will not be daunted by the immaturity so far displayed in some quarters and that he will stay the course, in the interest of Jamaica.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Every so often a development occurs that reminds us that, although we are growing as a nation, there are areas in which we are still dreadfully immature. The current controversy over the appointment of Mr Don Wehby to the finance ministry is one such.
Instead of rejoicing that a truly talented, bright and successful businessman is offering himself to the service of our country - not something which we see every day - a significant section of us is busy finding everything wrong with Mr Wehby's appointment as minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.
The fact that it is always so easy to tear down rather than to build up, is a clear flaw in our national intellect. It is unbelievable that so much effort is being expended in addressing the form over the substance.
Even when the critics allow themselves to acknowledge the brilliance of the appointment, it frequently comes with a big 'but...' Let there be no ifs, ands or buts about this stroke of genius. This is easily one case in which it is Jamaica which stands to benefit most.
We are in agreement that because GraceKennedy, from whence Mr Wehby comes, is a regulated agency comprising a pensions fund, insurance agency and bank, that there is an appearance of conflict. However, we should put more of our energy into looking at how best to remove this appearance of conflict, without throwing out the baby with the bath water.
As a nation seeking prosperity, we have to come to the place where we do what is necessary to achieve this end. At some point, we have to trust each other.
Let us make no mistake about it, simply asking Mr Wehby to completely sever ties with GraceKennedy does not, by itself, prevent him from doing whatever was feared in the first place. Who is to say, if he was so minded, that he would not, afterall, pass insider information to GraceKennedy from which he has resigned? Many government ministers and officials have, over the years, found themselves in this position, with companies which they either owned or were associated with prior to taking up their appointment.
Everything comes down to the individual's personal integrity.
For that reason, we see nothing wrong with a company, wanting to be a good corporate citizen, offering to pay a portion of a salary which the country normally cannot afford. Otherwise, we should decide that it is time to pay our qualified public servants what they could command on the market.
We reject the notion that in order to serve one's country one must decide to remain poor. There is no glamour in poverty.
In the bigger picture, we are also concerned that a nasty quarrel over such appointments as Mr Wehby's could risk the country losing the appointee who does not wish to subject himself or herself to such an untidy state of affairs.
We commend Mr Wehby for his noble decision to put his intellect and his energies to the service of his compatriots.
We sincerely hope that he will not be daunted by the immaturity so far displayed in some quarters and that he will stay the course, in the interest of Jamaica.
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