12 March 1999, 950 words
The real problem with Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 32, which seeks to give Select Committees of Parliament the power to investigate appointments made by the Service Commissions, is that it seeks to give Select Committees of Parliament the power to investigate appointments made by the Service Commissions.
Let me explain: such a Select Committee, being selected from Parliament, would naturally bring to bear the ethos of Parliament on its investigations. And the ethos of Parliament is created by its members, who are politicians. And, from Dr. Eric Williams to Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, we all know what the investigative ethos of our country's politicians is. One wonders what their reports might look like. Indeed, I am sure many of the other numbers have been wondering the same thing. So, in an attempt to provide an answer, let's go by the numbers.
Report of the Select Committee #5427:- After intensive investigation, this Select Committee is pleased to report that it is quite displeased with the appointment of Mr. Ken Hoodoo to the National Petroleum Board. Mr. Hoodoo left his previous job at the National Commercial Bank under the best auspices. When contacted by this Committee, the bank's management had nothing but the highest praise for Mr. Hoodoo, describing him as "an extremely brilliant young man of the highest integrity and professionalism."
Our investigations further revealed that an executive position was created for Mr. Hoodoo, but that not only did he resign from the Board while this was being discussed but insisted that the Board consult with the union before any action was taken to create said position!
We need hardly point out that no organization can run efficiently with persons of such absurdly stringent ethics at senior levels. At the very least, such people make the other Board members (to say nothing of the line Minister) quite uncomfortable. We therefore fail to understand why such a person could have been appointed to the Board of a key company in the crucial energy sector of this country. What makes the matter even worse is that the most stringent inquiries failed to reveal the slightest relationship, professional or personal, between Mr. Hoodoo and the Minister of Finance!
We can only conclude, therefore, that the illustrious members of the Service Commission fail to comprehend, or do not care, about their role in promoting the policies of this administration and, indeed, the national development of our beloved nation.
Report of the Select Committee #2868:- Our investigation into the appointment of Mr. Vasant Arat has revealed a most unsatisfactory state of affairs. Mr. Arat was seconded to the National Flour Mills from the PTSC. He was able to land both these positions without having the necessary qualifications, for neither he nor his father is in any way acquainted with the Prime Minister. Indeed, Mr. Arat is not even a member of the ruling party! At NFM, he was able to buy shipments of rice and other grain from various overseas sources at competitive prices. These negotiations were conducted in a transparent manner with consultation and documentation at every step. NFM was thus able to lower the prices of rice, flour and other staples to consumers, thus enhancing both its reputation and that of Government.
We need hardly say that Mr. Arat's efforts have placed the ruling party in a most embarrassing position since the electorate has now grown to expect fiscal efficiency and financial integrity from the Government. The members of the Service Commission have clearly failed to appreciate the political backlash to our beloved nation that could result from having men like Mr. Arat in key positions. The members therefore need to be told in no uncertain manner to cease and desist from making such invidious appointments.
Report of the Select Committee #2773:- This Committee has investigated the appointment of Mr. S. Muwakil as foreman of URP crew No. 66766 and found the decision by the Service Commission to be without any merit whatsoever. Not only has Mr. Muwakil never taken part in any attempt to overthrow the Government, but he does not even have a criminal record! Clearly, the Service Commission members understand neither the calibre of men needed to run a URP project nor, in fact, the rationale of the URP itself. Indeed, we would even go as far to say that, by failing to appoint an appropriate candidate, the Service Commission has recklessly endangered the national security of our beloved nation.
Report of the Select Committee #3665:- It has become quite clear to this Committee that the Service Commissions need to be disbanded and responsibility for Public Service appointments placed directly in the hands of the Select Committees. Our most recent investigation has revealed the appointment of Mr. K. Baldeosingh as a Teacher II at a government-funded secondary school. It is a matter of public record that, until the Equal Opportunities Act made it impossible for him to work as a writer, Mr. Baldeosingh regularly criticized the Government, religion and decent citizens everywhere. Yet the members of the Service Commission seem to think it is all right to have this so-called novelist teaching the nation's children English Language and Literature! Moreover, his writing strongly suggests that Mr. Baldeosingh is the kind of person who would recklessly encourage his students to ask questions and think for themselves! One can only imagine the social upheaval that would result if this kind of attitude became widespread. Clearly, the Service Commissions have lost all touch with reality and we call for the immediate passage of legislation to prevent them doing further damage to our beloved nation.
Copyright ©1999 Kevin Baldeosingh