Lynch

The appointment of John Lynch as both chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Director of Tourism has raised the ire of the Opposition People's National Party (PNP).

While not questioning Lynch's competence or experience, the PNP, in a release to the media said it believes that the combination of the two posts was a retrograde step.

Noting that the Director of Tourism usually reports to the Chairman of the JTB, the release pointed to a lack of accountability in the arrangement as a single person now holds both posts.

Opposition Spokesman on Tourism, Wykeham McNeill asked "Who will the Director of Tourism report to now and how will he be held accountable for his performance?"

Section 3 of the Tourist Board Act (1955) establishes a body to be called the Tourist Board. The board shall consist of a Director of Tourism and not less than five nor more than eleven other members. The minister shall appoint one of the members of the board to be chairman.

No clear indication

There is no clear indication that a single member should not hold both positions of the Director of Tourism and the chairmanship.

The Opposition stated that it was puzzled about the process involved in the resignation of the former JTB Board and the appointment of the new one.

The PNP release noted that Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett in justifying the reasons for the resignation of the entire Board two weeks ago, indicated that new skills and expertise were necessary to operate in what he described as a "new architecture".

"However the Minister has reappointed the same persons on the Board with the exception of two new faces," the release stated.

McNeill is asking "Why did the Minister go through this charade of the resignation of the board and then the reappointment of the same persons. This has sent disturbing and conflicting signals to partners and stakeholders both nationally and internationally. It makes absolutely no sense and is a mockery of good governance," the release said.