The Editor, Sir:

Prime Minister Simpson Miller has ordered the fourth major probe into a scandalous issue that potentially embarrasses one more of her ministries. This time she has turned her attention to the horrific tales of what is happening at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. Previously, there was the probe into the Westmoreland hotel scandal and we are still awaiting the resolution. Then she ordered a probe into the allegations of the GSAT exam results. And didn't she order another probe into the cement scandal?

What puzzles me is that our Prime Minister seems more inclined to appease the critics of her administration than being committed to correct the evils of an administration that has grown too content and believes that this country belongs to them. Not once has she promised, and fulfilled the promise, that she would dismiss the minister of Government who is directly responsible for the problem area. Dismissal of a minister does not correct the problem, but it certainly sends a clear message to the public that she is committed to correcting the abuse and misuse of power and to win the confidence of a people who have grown to distrust their politicians. I wonder if companies listed on the stock exchange were to order probes of this nature, how much confidence the investing public would demonstrate in such organisations.

What the Prime Minister needs to realise is that grandstanding does not impress people. This is not the time to be governing by ordering a probe for each issue that is brought to the attention of the public. Rather than ordering a probe to give the impression that you are aiming for impartial outcomes, she could herself demand an immediate response from her cabinet colleagues and judging from that report and other findings, take decisive steps. In each instance, the issues that have led to the order for a public probe did not emerge overnight, and the Prime Minister knows that. Things have been allowed to fester for a long time so to order probe after probe at this stage is just a paltry effort to fix things.

At this rate one is left to wonder how many more probes will be ordered before the end of the year. Madam Prime Minister needs to do the job that she was selected for, not grandstand in a manner to impress the party faithfuls in order to win the next election. If you do your work well, there is no need to beg the country to re-elect you. We recognise quality governance when we see it.

I am, etc.,

C.A. BAILEY

bridgeviewman@aol.com

Miramar, FL

Via Go-Jamaica