The Editor, Sir:

I have to agree with your editorial in yesterday's Gleaner which focuses on the less-than-professional way the appointment of the new minister of national security was handled.

It is not a good sign that Colonel MacMillan pre-empted the prime minister and confirmed his appointment before the Cabinet even had a chance to meet. It shows disrespect not only for the prime minister but for his now-Cabinet colleagues, especially Mr Smith.

We were all very concerned about the spiralling murder rate and most agree that Mr Smith's ill health does not make him the best candidate for this very challenging job. Respect is due.

In the lean JLP years, he was a good and faithful servant and certainly deserves respect, or at the very least, some degree of sensitivity in how his reassignment was handled.

Colonel MacMillan must also recognise that in his new job, confidentiality, sensitivity and respect are all requirements. If he does not exercise these basic disciplines, he will certainly fail.

Best wishes

For the sake of our country, I wish Colonel MacMillan the best. To Mr Smith I say, a quick recovery from ill health and our thanks for your faithfulness to the party and country over the years. Don't let this bumbling mess discourage you; the country needs your experience.

To the prime minister, I give a failing grade for this mess. He has to improve the way he treats his Cabinet members. This is the second incident in which he has shown disregard for his colleagues. The first was the announcement of portfolio changes for Dr Christopher Tufton and Ruddy Spencer without telling them first. Pull up your socks, Mr Golding!

I am, etc.,

OLIVER JAMES STEWART

oliverjamesstewart@gmail.com